Compare Flomax vs. Avodart

Tamsulosin (Flomax) and dutasteride (Avodart) are both used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they work differently. Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urinary symptoms. You need to take it 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Dutasteride, on the other hand, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that prevents the prostate from getting larger by blocking the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It can be taken at any time of the day but should be taken consistently at the same time. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generics. Tamsulosin is considered a first-choice treatment for BPH, while dutasteride can lower the need for prostate-related surgery but might take several months to show effects. Both medications can affect sexual health, but dutasteride also has specific warnings for women who are pregnant or can become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects if they come into contact with the medication.