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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 (Flomax)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Tadalafil (Cialis)

Summary of Flomax vs. Cialis

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 PDE-5 inhibitor
Prescription only

Tadalafil (Cialis) is taken by mouth either as needed before sexual activity or once daily for erectile dysfunction (ED). It's also taken once daily to treat symptoms from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Tadalafil (Cialis) is available both as brand-name and generic tablets. Common side effects of this medication include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) does interact with some medications, such as heart and blood pressure medications, and taking them together could lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness.

Indications of Flomax vs. Cialis

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

Pros and Cons of Flomax vs. Cialis

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 PDE-5 inhibitor
Pros
•One of the first-choice medications for treating ED
•Can be taken either as needed or on a regular basis for those who need it more regularly
•Lasts longer than other medications taken for ED
•Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•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 be used if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
•Takes longer to work compared to some other medications for ED
•Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain

Common Side Effects of Flomax vs. Cialis

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

Once-daily use of tadalafil (Cialis) (for ED or BPH):

•Headache (3-6%)
•Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (3-6%)
•Indigestion (4-5%)
•Stomach upset (3-5%)
•Back pain (3%)

As-needed use of tadalafil (Cialis) (for ED):

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

Warnings of Flomax vs. Cialis

Common Side Effects for
•Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
•Prolonged and painful erection
•Eye problems
•Severe allergic reactions
Common Side Effects for
•Heart problems
•Low blood pressure
•Prolonged erection
•Vision changes
•Hearing loss
•Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Flomax vs. Cialis

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