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Compare Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

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

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

  • Summary of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Summary for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness in adult men. It works by lowering levels of a hormone in your body that's linked to hair loss. You take it by mouth once a day, with or without food. Common side effects can include sexual problems, such as a lower sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or less semen during ejaculation. <br> Note: Finasteride (Propecia) is different from finasteride (Proscar) used to treat enlarged prostate.

    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 Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Indications for
    •Male pattern baldness
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Pros and Const for 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
    Pros
    •FDA approved specifically for male pattern hair loss
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can slow hair loss and support regrowth
    Cons
    •Takes 3 months or longer to see the full benefits
    •Hair loss typically returns if stopped
    •Might cause sexual side effects
    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 Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lower sex drive (2%)
    •Erectile dysfunction (1%)
    •Ejaculation problems (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Infection (9-11%)

  • Warnings of Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby boy
    •Changes to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
    •Risk of prostate cancer
    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 Finasteride vs. Tamsulosin

    Learn more about Finasteride
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

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