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Flomax vs. Rapaflo

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

Key takeaways

Tamsulosin (Flomax) and silodosin (Rapaflo) are both alpha-1 blockers used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin is taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day, while silodosin is taken with a meal, and you can open the capsule and sprinkle it on applesauce if you have trouble swallowing. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications can cause dizziness and issues with ejaculation, including retrograde ejaculation (orgasm with little or no semen). Tamsulosin has a higher risk of causing a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, while silodosin is not suitable for people with severe kidney or liver problems. Both medications interact with many other medications, so you should always check with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments.

Tamsulosin

 

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Silodosin

(Rapaflo)

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Summary for Flomax

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 for Flomax

Pros and Cons for Flomax

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 for Flomax

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

Warnings for Flomax

  • Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Prolonged and painful erection
  • Eye problems
  • Severe allergic reactions

Summary for Rapaflo

Prescription only

Silodosin (Rapaflo) is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or having an enlarged prostate. This medication is available as a brand-name and generic version, and it comes as a capsule that you take by mouth. The dosage is typically just once daily with a meal, but it can affect your ejaculation as a side effect (for example, causing you to orgasm with less or no semen).

Indications for Rapaflo

Pros and Cons for Rapaflo

Pros

  • Helps improve symptoms of BPH
  • Once-daily dosing
  • Can open capsules and sprinkle the powder inside on applesauce if it's hard to swallow the capsules whole
  • Lower-cost generic version available

Cons

  • Has some side effects related to low blood pressure, such as dizziness
  • Can cause retrograde ejaculation (an orgasm with little or no semen), but is reversible when you stop the medication
  • Might complicate cataract surgery
  • Can't use if you have severe kidney or liver problems

Common Side Effects for Rapaflo

  • Retrograde ejaculation (orgasm with less or no semen; 28%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Drop in blood pressure when standing from a seated or lying down position (3%)

Warnings for Rapaflo

  • Low blood pressure
  • Higher risk for side effects in people with kidney problems
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Should rule out prostate cancer
  • Floppy iris syndrome (a cataract surgery complication)

Prices with our coupons for Flomax vs. Rapaflo

Price Card Drug Icon
Tamsulosin30 capsules / 0.4mg
$9.90$13.05
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Price Card Drug Icon
Silodosin30 capsules / 8mg
$20.91$144.15
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