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Compare Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) and tamsulosin (Flomax) are both prescription medications used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. They belong to the same drug class, alpha-1 blockers, and work by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow. However, there are some differences between them. Alfuzosin is available as an extended-release tablet taken once daily after the same meal, while tamsulosin is a once-daily capsule taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day, with a starting dose of 0.4 mg that can be increased to 0.8 mg. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of both medications include dizziness and headaches. Tamsulosin is a first-choice medication for BPH. Both medications can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing, but tamsulosin is less likely to cause this compared to similar medications. Tamsulosin may not be suitable for those with a sulfa allergy.

  • Alfuzosin er (Uroxatral)
    Tamsulosin
  • Alfuzosin er (Uroxatral)
    Tamsulosin

  • Summary of Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Summary for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker
    Prescription only

    Alfuzosin ER (Uroxatral) is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in males. It's taken by mouth only once daily because it's an extended-release (ER) medication. Alfuzosin ER (Uroxatral) is available as generic and brand name tablets. Common side effects of this medication include dizziness and headaches.

    Summary for Alpha-1 blocker
    Prescription only

    Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. It works by relaxing the muscles in your prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate. The medication comes as a capsule that you take once a day, usually 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and abnormal ejaculation.

  • Indications of Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Indications for
    •Signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker
    Pros
    •Works to control BPH symptoms
    •Only need to take once daily
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Must take with a meal (the same one everyday)
    •Can cause dizziness and headache
    •Can't be used for people with moderate to severe liver problems
    •Interacts with some common medications, such as blood pressure medications
    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 blocker
    Pros
    •Is a first-choice treatment option for BPH
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Typically starts to work right away
    •Less likely to cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions compared to similar medications
    Cons
    •Relieves symptoms of an enlarged prostate but doesn’t affect prostate growth
    •Needs to be taken once a day, 30 minutes after the same meal
    •Can have negative side effects on your sexual health
    •Might not be the best option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (3%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Infection (9-11%)

  • Warnings of Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Caution for people with liver or kidney problems
    •Caution for people with heart problems
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Alfuzosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Learn more about Alfuzosin er
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

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