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Compare Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

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

  • Finasteride (Propecia)
    Tamsulosin (Flomax)
  • Finasteride (Propecia)
    Tamsulosin (Flomax)

  • Summary of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Summary for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Finasteride 1 mg (also known by its brand name Propecia) is used to prevent and treat hair loss. It isn't the same as finasteride 5 mg (brand name Proscar), which is used for enlarged prostate. Finasteride (Propecia) is taken by mouth once per day and is available by prescription only. Side effects aren't common, but typically include sexual problems (e.g., low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, lower ejaculation volume).

    Summary for Alpha-1 blocker
    Prescription only

    Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a commonly prescribed oral medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. For it to work properly, you have to take it 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Also, since tamsulosin (Flomax) has a lot of interactions, you'll need to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start any new medications.

  • Indications of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Indications for
    •Male pattern baldness due to hormones (androgenetic alopecia) in adults
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Pros and Const for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to grow hair in males who are balding
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Doesn't have a lot of side effects
    Cons
    •Not a cure; hair loss will come back after stopping finasteride (Propecia)
    •Takes 3 months or longer to see the full benefits
    •Can cause sexual problems (e.g., lower sex drive, difficulty keeping an erection, low ejaculation volume)
    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 blocker
    Pros
    •Considered a first-choice treatment option for BPH
    •Oral medication that you only have to take once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Less likely to cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, compared to similar medications
    Cons
    •Only treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate rather than affect the growth of the prostate
    •Needs to be taken at the same time every day 30 minutes after a meal
    •Can have negative side effects on your sexual health
    •Though rare, maybe not the best option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lower sex drive (2%)
    •Erectile dysfunction (1%)
    •Ejaculation problems (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)

  • Warnings of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of harm to babies
    •Changes to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Learn more about Finasteride
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

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