How Flomax Works For Kidney Stones

How Does Tamsulosin Work

Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-blockers, also referred to as Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists. As with other alpha-blockers used to treat prostate problems, Tamsulosin works by keeping the hormone norepinephrine from tightening the walls in smaller arteries and veins, thus relaxing muscles around the bladder and prostate to increase urine output. Through this same mechanism, tamsulosin is sometimes used to treat kidney stones by easing their passing through the urinary tract.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Flomax if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take this medicine together with similar medicines such as alfuzosin , doxazosin , prazosin , silodosin , or terazosin .

To make sure Flomax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease

• a history of prostate cancer

• low blood pressure or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Flomax can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine. Do not stop using Flomax before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

Although this medicine is not for use in women, Flomax is not expected to harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Flomax is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Whats The Urinary Tract How Does It Work

Your urinary tract is vital to your body because it gets rid of waste and extra fluid. Its made up of both your kidneys, two ureters, your bladder and your urethra. Each organ has an important job :

• Kidneys: Your fist-sized, bean-shaped kidneys are located on either side of your spine, below your rib cage. Each day they filter 120 to 150 quarts of your blood to remove waste and balance fluids. Your kidneys make one to two quarts of urine every day.
• Ureters: After your kidney creates urine, the liquid travels through the tube-shaped ureter to the bladder. There is one ureter per kidney. Kidney stones can pass through the ureters or, if theyre too big, get stuck in them. You may require surgery if the stone is too large.
• Bladder: Between your hip bones is your bladder, an organ that stores urine. It stretches to hold about one and a half to two cups.
• Urethra: Like a ureter, your urethra is a tube through which urine passes. Its the final stop of the urinary tract where your urine leaves your body. This is called urination.

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Types Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small pebbles in your kidneys usually made up of minerals that reach high levels in your urine. The National Kidney Foundation indicates the two most common types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones and uric acid stones 1. Uric acid stones can be formed when there is a high level of purines in the diet. Purines are high in organ meats and shellfish.

Calcium oxalate stones are usually caused by dehydration, or low fluid levels, and low calcium intakes. Calcium in the diet can help bind to oxalate and remove it before it gets to the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation states that individuals with low dietary calcium intakes are at high risk for kidney stones 1.

• Kidney stones are small pebbles in your kidneys usually made up of minerals that reach high levels in your urine.
• Purines are high in organ meats and shellfish.

How Much Effective Flomax For Kidney Stones

The knowledge in medical science is ever-evolving. There is no limit set for its advancement. The treatments for almost every disease are available. The kidney stones problem has now been far simplified with the reduction of side effects and improvement in identifying the symptoms and then treating them with the best treatment.

The latest development of treatment with Flomax for kidney stones has urged every kidney stone patient to try this safe and effective treatment. Lets see all about this in detail.

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How To Take It

Swallow your tamsulosin capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water.

Do not break, chew or crush them.

If you can, take tamsulosin in the morning, after breakfast or the first meal or snack of the day. This is so the highest levels of medicine are in your body during the day and gives you the most benefit when you are most likely trying to pee.

It’s best to take it at about the same time each day.

Are There Any Foods Or Drinks That Help Treat Kidney Stones Are There Any Home Remedies

There are three liquids rumored to help with kidney stones:

• Cranberry juice. Although cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections , it doesnt help with kidney stones.
• Apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and it can sometimes create changes to your urine, which helps with kidney stones. But, this doesnt always help. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of vinegar.
• Lemon juice. Lemon juice is rich in citrate, which can help prevent kidney stones from forming. Citrates are found in several citrus fruits including lemons, limes, oranges and melons.
• Coffee. Studies show that coffee may decrease your risk of developing kidney stones.

Avoid soda and other drinks with added sugar or fructose corn syrup. They increase your risk.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin can potentially cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. The list below includes some of the most common side effects but is not a complete list. Mild side effects may go away after a few days or weeks of consistent medication-taking, but if they persist or worsen, you should speak with your doctor.

Common side effects:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Are There Any Dangerous Interactions With Tamsulosin

There are several interactions to be mindful of when taking tamsulosin. Perhaps the most important is other alpha-blockers, if you take these together, its more likely that your blood pressure could become dangerously low. There are several other interactions such as azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and more that may also affect how the tamsulosin works in your body. To avoid any negative side effects, speak with your doctor about any medications youre currently taking before beginning treatment.

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When To See A Doctor For Kidney Stones

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If you are actively passing a stone and can save a piece of the stone, that may be helpful for a doctor. Knowing the type of stone can help in modifying your diet, if possible, to prevent a reoccurrence of another stone.

Your doctor will immediately want to see where and how big the stone is, so you will most likely receive a computed tomography scan or an x-ray for diagnostic purposes. Based on the diagnostic data and the health of your kidneys, you and your doctor will decide on a treatment plan to pass or destroy the stone. Your doctor may recommend a visit with a registered dietitian, who can look at your diet and make sure you make the necessary changes to your daily eating plan.

• If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
• Based on the diagnostic data and the health of your kidneys, you and your doctor will decide on a treatment plan to pass or destroy the stone.

Has Anyone Been Given Flomax To Help Pass Kidney Stones

Went to ER on 7/24 for Kidney Stone Event. CAT Scan and Urine test done. Preliminary showed no infection. There was to be a culture done. I was given pain pills and nausea meds which I have not had to use along with Flomax. But, since starting Flomax I have been really spaced out. Can’t concentrate or focus. Today urine goes dark again with bad odor. I remembered about culture. Anyway, went to Walk In Clinic affiliated with hospital ER hoping they had access to culture results and get checked again. Culture was positive on 7/24. Nurse Practioner tosses around sending me to hospital or prescribing antibiotics. She calls in a RX based on fact I have no fever. My follow up with Urologist is Tuesday. So, kinda wondering if anyone has any experience with Flomax making them feel “kinda crazy”. I have been told by Nurse and Nurse Practioner that is not one of the side effects.

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What Are The Types Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits formed within the kidneys. Kidneys are two bean shaped organs located near the back of the body. They help remove waste from the blood stream and produce urine. Kidney stones form when minerals such as calcium and oxalate crystallize together in the urinary tract. These crystals get stuck in the tubes that carry urine away from the kidneys. This blockage prevents the flow of urine and leads to pain and other symptoms. There are different types of kidney stones. Calcium stones are the most common type of stone found in the urinary system. Calcium is a mineral that helps maintain bone health. It is present in many foods, especially dairy products. Oxalate stones are another type of stone that forms in the urinary tract. Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in plants and animals. Foods rich in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, nuts, beans, tea, chocolate, strawberries and plums. How are kidney stones diagnosed?

How Are Children Treated For Kidney Stones

Most childrens kidney stones can be treated with the shock wave lithotripsy , a completely non-invasive procedure. Your child is placed under anesthesia and sound waves of specific frequencies are focused on the stones to shatter them into fragments small enough to be easily passed during urination.

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What Is The Right Dosage Of Flomax For Kidney Stone

Flomax is generally dosed at 0.4 milligrams per day. It is in capsule form, which either can be taken by mouth or in rare conditions, it can be injected through a syringe. Flomax for kidney stones is prescribed in capsule form with the standard dosage of 0.4 mg daily.

It should be routinely used for relaxing the muscles around the urinary system, and thus facilitate the easy expulsion of kidney stones mostly in symptomatic people.

Medications Not To Take With Flomax

When taking a new medication, you should always check with your doctor about possible interactions with other medicines youre taking, certain drugs are known to interact poorly with Flomax. Patients with an allergy to sulfa drugs can experience an increased allergic reaction as a Flomax side effect. If youre already taking similar medicines such as doxazosin , silodosin , prazosin , terazosin , alfuzosin , you cant take Flomax at the same time.

Because some medications affect how the body removes Flomax they also affect how it works. These drugs include HIV protease inhibitors , ribociclib, boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat and azole antifungals .

Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction could interact with Flomax to reduce your blood pressure below a safe level. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness and fainting. Work with your doctor to adjust dosages as needed.

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Side Effects Of Flomax For Kidney Stones:

Similar to other medications, Flomax too has certain side effects. During a kidney stone problem, you may feel severe pain, nausea, or even a strong pelvic pain, but in comparison to these pains, the side effects of Flomax for kidney stones are very less, thankfully! However, some of the side effects are:

• Runny nose
• Rash, itching, trouble breathing, and various other allergic reactions
• Fever, facial swelling, or other skin problems
• Back pain
• Insomnia

How To Reduce The Formation Of Kidney Stones Using Flomax

The right amount of Flomax dosage routinely will help you to reduce the new formation of kidney stones. Moreover, you must limit the calcium, salt, and protein consumption, and try to eat mostly citrus fruits. Also, always be hydrated to reduce the new formation of kidney stones.

So, these were the things that prove the effectiveness of Flomax for kidney stones. Therefore, if you or any of your family members are suffering from kidney stones, you can suggest Flomax medication to them and ask them to contact a doctor for the proper dosage.

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Lab Grade Chanca Piedra

The herb is known as Phyllanthus niruri in the scientific world and has been used in many South American pharmacies for centuries as an effective targeted pain relief, help for passing kidney stones, and for prevention of new stone formation. In fact in many developed countries like Brazil a laboratory grade chanca piedra is available by prescription from a doctor. The literal translation of chanca piedra is stone breaker

Does Flomax Dissolve Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. Kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Stones are formed when minerals such as calcium and oxalate crystallize together in the urine. Most people who develop kidney stones have no symptoms. However, if left untreated, these stones can become very painful and even life threatening. If you experience pain while passing a stone, see your doctor immediately. It is important to note that not every person who passes a stone experiences pain. If you are experiencing pain, try to drink plenty of fluids. This helps flush the stone out of the body. If you are unable to pass the stone, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may recommend using medications to dissolve the stone. These medications are called lithotripsy.

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Can Women Take Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin is sometimes used for off-label treatment of urinary tract infections in women. While this is not yet an officially approved usage, several studies have suggested that this treatment is both effective and safe. However, women should not take tamsulosin unless specifically instructed to do so by their doctor.

Whats New: This Large Rct Contradicts Results From Previous Meta

The SUSPEND study is the first large, multicenter RCT of MET with tamsulosin or nifedipine for kidney stones that used patient-oriented outcomes to find no benefit for stone expulsion, analgesic use, or reported pain compared to placebo. The discrepancy with prior meta-analyses is not unusual. Up to one-third of meta-analyses that show positive outcomes of a therapy are subsequently altered by the inclusion of results from a single, large, multicenter, well-designed RCT.

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Complications From Taking Flomax

In addition to considering the potential side-effects of Flomax, patients also need to consider other complications that may come from the regular use of tamsulosin.

These complications can sometimes be quite harmful. In fact, certain complications that have been linked to Flomax may cause permanent damage to some regions of the patients body including the penis.

Whos Most Likely To Get Kidney Stones What Are The Risk Factors

White men in their 30s and 40s are most likely to get kidney stones. However, anyone can develop kidney stones.

There are several risk factors for developing kidney stones. These include:

• Not drinking enough liquids.
• Having a diet that includes the substances that form the stones .
• Having a family history of kidney stones.
• Having a blockage in your urinary tract.

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing stones. This is because they may increase or decrease levels of the substances that make up a kidney stone. These conditions can include:

• Hypercalciuria .

Certain foods can also place you at risk of a kidney stone. These foods include:

• Meats and poultry .
• Sodium .
• Sugars .

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How Do You Stop Taking Tamsulosin Safely

It is not recommended to stop taking tamsulosin without first consulting with your doctor about possible effects. However, tamsulosin does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms and is not addictive. Oftentimes, the larger risk is restarting tamsulosin treatment, especially if youre taking a dosage larger than the starting dose. If for any reason youve temporarily discontinued tamsulosin treatment, you must speak with your doctor first before starting again.

Review: Alpha Blockers Helpful In Treating Kidney Stones

Flomax isnt just for the prostate.

Thats according to a new review published this week in The BMJ, suggesting that alpha blockers are also a beneficial treatment for patients who find themselves in the emergency room with a kidney stone that has dropped into their ureter, a thin tube that transports urine from the kidney to bladder. This medication appears to work particularly if the kidney stone is large.

The review, led by Philipp Dahm, MD, MHSc, Professor of Urology at University of Minnesota Medical School and staff physician at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, systematically analyzed all 55 existing studies related to alpha blockers and ureteral stones. The goal: To clarify the uncertainty as to whether the muscle-relaxing medication which is also widely used to treat men with prostate problems helps patients pass their stone without surgery.

Doctors have gotten really good at detecting kidney stones, which is the first step in helping patients, Dahm said. So the next logical step is improving the way we treat them, which requires this type of deep-dive research.

Stones are mineral deposits that are formed in the kidney but can drop into the ureter and get lodged there. Its a common, yet terribly painful experience that sends more than a million people to the emergency room each year.

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