What it means
A drug for benign prostatic hyperplasiabee-NINE proh-STAT-ik hy-per-PLAY-zhuhA prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.hyper- more than normalplas growth or formation-ia conditionFull entry , also used to help small kidney stones pass. It acts mostly on the prostate, so it lowers blood pressure less than older alpha blockers, but dizziness on standing can still happen. It can cause problems during cataract surgery ("floppy iris").
For the nurse
Teach the client to swallow the capsule whole about 30 minutes after the same meal each day, to stand up slowly, and to tell any eye surgeon that they take it.
At a glance
| Drug class | alpha-1 adrenergic blocker |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Flomax |
| Also written | Flomax |
Related terms
urinary retention
Being unable to empty the bladder completely, or at all.
benign prostatic hyperplasia
A prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.
finasteride
A drug that blocks the change of testosterone into a stronger hormone, shrinking the prostate and slowing hair loss.
doxazosin
An alpha-1 blocker that relaxes blood vessels and the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck.