Urimax: Uses, Side Effects, Composition, Dosage & Price

Urimax is a capsule for men who have trouble passing urine because of an enlarged prostate — a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and the bladder neck so urine can flow out more easily. It is a prescription-only medicine in India; take it only if a doctor has prescribed it for you.

Urimax is a single-medicine capsule containing tamsulosin, an alpha blocker made for the urinary symptoms of BPH. It is modified-release - the medicine is released slowly over the day - and the 0.4 mg on the pack is the tamsulosin strength per capsule.

Urimax relaxes the muscles in the prostate and neck of the bladder - the same muscles that clamp around the urine tube when the prostate is enlarged. With them loosened, urine passes out with far less straining. It eases symptoms but does not shrink the enlarged prostate itself, so you need it for as long as your doctor advises.

Doctors usually prescribe Urimax for:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate that squeezes the urine tube
• Straining and dribbling while passing urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night, when the prostate is blocking the flow
• Feeling that the bladder never fully empties

It does not kill germs, so it will not treat a urinary infection, and it is not a blood pressure medicine. Tamsulosin is sometimes prescribed to help small kidney stones pass, but only on a doctor's advice.

Using Urimax for a urinary infection masks the symptoms while the infection keeps growing.

1. Swallow one whole capsule with water.
2. Take it about 30 minutes after the same meal each day - for example, after dinner.
3. Do not crush, chew, split or open the capsule; that releases the medicine too fast.
4. Keep taking it even when you feel well, for as long as your doctor has advised.

The usual dose is one 0.4 mg capsule once a day, taken about 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Your doctor decides the dose based on your symptoms, age and other medicines. If improvement is poor after two to four weeks, your doctor may raise the dose.

Never increase the dose on your own. A higher dose does not ease symptoms faster, but it does raise the risk of dizziness, fainting and ejaculation problems. After a several-day break, restart only on your doctor's advice.

Urimax is not for children, and there is no children's version. On overdose, the main danger is a sudden blood pressure drop - go to the nearest hospital emergency department at once, carrying the capsule strip.

Take it when you remember, but skip it if the next dose is almost due. Never take two together to catch up.

Urimax can start easing the flow within days, though the full benefit often builds over a few weeks. If your symptoms have not improved after two to four weeks, tell your doctor.

Store the capsules in their original tightly closed pack at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and children. Throw away any capsules past the expiry date.

Most men take Urimax without any trouble; side effects, when they happen, are usually mild and pass on their own.

• Common and mild:
• Dizziness, sleepiness or light-headedness, especially on standing up quickly
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Ejaculation problems, such as less semen or none released
• Rare but serious (stop the medicine and see a doctor right away):
• A painful erection that lasts hours without any sexual activity
• Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing
• Fainting, or a severe giddy spell soon after a dose

Ejaculation changes and dizziness come from tamsulosin's muscle-relaxing and blood-pressure-lowering actions, and are more likely in the first days or after a dose increase.

• Anyone allergic to tamsulosin or to any other capsule ingredient
• Women - it has not been studied or approved for women
• Children under 18 - not indicated at all
• Men taking ketoconazole-type antifungals

Tell your doctor before taking Urimax if you have:

• Low blood pressure or episodes of fainting (the capsule can lower blood pressure further on standing)
• Liver or kidney disease (the medicine may need closer monitoring)
• A sulfa drug allergy (rare allergic reactions have been reported)
• Prostate cancer, now or in the past (ask your doctor about regular screening)
• Any planned surgery, including cataract or glaucoma surgery, now or in the past (tell the eye surgeon or anaesthetist you take Urimax)
• Fertility concerns or a partner who is pregnant (mention it to your doctor)

Always tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement or home remedy you are using. Alcohol adds to Urimax's dizziness, so keep that combination to a minimum.

Urimax is a prescription medicine, and its price depends on the pack size, your city and the pharmacy. Prices change often, and discounts between chemists and online pharmacies vary. Ask your local chemist for the current price of the pack you were prescribed.

Urimax eases symptoms but does not guard against everything. See a doctor quickly if you have:

• Fever with chills, plus burning or pain while passing urine
• Blood in the urine
• Complete inability to pass urine despite a full bladder
• A painful erection lasting more than a few hours
• Repeated fainting spells or severe dizziness after a dose
• New leaking of urine or steadily worsening flow despite treatment

Urimax is a once-a-day prescription capsule that helps men with an enlarged prostate pass urine more easily. Take one whole capsule after the same meal each day, and never raise the dose on your own. Dizziness, a blocked nose and ejaculation changes are common and usually mild.