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Compare Flomax vs. Cardura

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

Key takeaways

Tamsulosin (Flomax) and doxazosin (Cardura) are both alpha-1 blockers used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they have some differences. Tamsulosin is specifically for BPH and must be taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day, while doxazosin can also treat high blood pressure and is taken once daily, with the extended-release version (Cardura XL) taken with breakfast. Tamsulosin is considered a first-choice treatment for BPH, whereas doxazosin is not a first-choice for high blood pressure. Both medications can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, but tamsulosin is less likely to cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. Additionally, tamsulosin may affect sexual health, causing abnormal ejaculation, while doxazosin is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Tamsulosin (Flomax)
    Doxazosin (Cardura)
  • Tamsulosin (Flomax)
    Doxazosin (Cardura)

  • Summary of Flomax vs. Cardura

    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.

    Summary for Alpha antagonist
    Prescription only

    Doxazosin mesylate (Cardura) is an alpha-1 blocker that's used to treat adults with enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) or high blood pressure. It's also available as brand name Cardura XL, an extended-release tablet that's FDA approved for treating BPH only. The typical dosage is one tablet by mouth once a day. Side effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, and fatigue.

  • Indications of Flomax vs. Cardura

    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
    •High blood pressure - immediate-release tablet only

  • Pros and Cons of Flomax vs. Cardura

    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
    Pros and Const for Alpha antagonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Can be used in older adults
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice options for high blood pressure
    •Can cause dizziness and sudden low blood pressure
    •Interacts with other medications

  • Common Side Effects of Flomax vs. Cardura

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets

    •Dizziness (16-19%)
    •Fatigue (8-12%)

    Extended-release tablets

    •Headache (6%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Feeling weak (4%)

  • Warnings of Flomax vs. Cardura

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Digestive system problems - Cardura XL tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Flomax vs. Cardura

    Learn more about Tamsulosin
    Learn more about Doxazosin

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