What is Flomaxtra XL?
Flomaxtra XL is a tablet that’s mainly used to treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate, as well as kidney stones. You usually take it continuously, once a day. Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that mostly affects men over the age of 50, and it becomes more common the older you get. It isn’t a major health concern, but it can cause you to have trouble urinating, which can cause distress or embarrassment and affect your mental health.
Because some men find it embarrassing, or simply accept it as a part of aging, the symptoms of BPH or an overactive bladder can often go untreated. But medications such as Flomaxtra XL have been proven to help with urinary troubles, which in turn can increase your quality of life and reduce the risks of you developing urinary tract infections.
How does Flomaxtra XL work?
Tamsulosin, the active ingredient in Flomaxtra XL, belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers. Alpha blockers work by relaxing the muscles around your bladder and prostate gland, which makes it easier for you to urinate as there’s less pressure being applied to your bladder.
Because it only relaxes the muscles around your prostate gland rather than shrinking it, you’ll need to continue to take Flomaxtra XL daily in order for it to work. It only helps your symptoms for a certain amount of time - so once you stop taking it, it’s very likely that your symptoms will reappear.
Another way that alpha blockers like Flomax work is by reducing your blood pressure. This might make you feel dizzy or light-headed when you start taking it. If this happens to you, it’s important to sit or lie down until you feel better. Don’t drink, drive, cycle or use any machinery.
What doses of Flomaxtra XL are there?
Flomaxtra XL is only available in one dose: 400 mcg, which you’ll usually take once a day. If this dose isn’t working as you’d hoped, let your clinician know. They may recommend adjusting your treatment.
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