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Compare Flomax vs. Cialis

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

Key takeaways

Tamsulosin (Flomax) and tadalafil (Cialis) are both used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they work differently and have other uses as well. Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urination. It is taken once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal. Tadalafil, on the other hand, is a PDE-5 inhibitor that not only treats BPH but also erectile dysfunction (ED). It can be taken either as needed before sexual activity or once daily. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, while tamsulosin must be taken after a meal. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications can cause dizziness and have interactions with other drugs, but tadalafil has additional risks like vision changes and hearing loss.

  • Tamsulosin
    Tadalafil (Cialis)
  • Tamsulosin
    Tadalafil (Cialis)

  • Summary of Flomax vs. Cialis

    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.

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tadalafil (Cialis) is used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a tablet you take by mouth. For ED, you can take a dose either just before sex or once every day. And for BPH, it's taken once a day. Side effects include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications. Some drug interactions can lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness. Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as a brand-name and generic version.

  • Indications of Flomax vs. Cialis

    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction (ED)
    •Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Flomax vs. Cialis

    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
    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ED
    •For ED only, can take either as needed or once daily
    •Lasts longer than other ED medications
    •Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 hours to get its full effect for ED
    •Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months
    •Can't take if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

  • Common Side Effects of Flomax vs. Cialis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Infection (9-11%)
    Common Side Effects for

    When taken as needed for ED:

    •Headache (11-15%)
    •Indigestion (4-10%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)

    When taken once daily for ED:

    •Headache (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (4-5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (3-4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (3%)

    When taken once daily for BPH:

    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Indigestion (up to 2%)
    •Common cold symptoms (2%)
    •Back pain (1-2%)

  • Warnings of Flomax vs. Cialis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Flomax vs. Cialis

    Learn more about Tamsulosin
    Learn more about Tadalafil

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