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Compare Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

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

Key takeaways

Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL) and tamsulosin (Flomax) are both prescription medications used to treat urinary issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Oxybutynin is a urinary antispasmodic that treats overactive bladder (OAB) by relaxing bladder muscles, while tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to ease urination. Oxybutynin is available in both short-acting and long-acting oral forms, as well as a patch and gel, and is taken 2 to 4 times a day or once daily for the extended-release form. Tamsulosin is taken once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Oxybutynin can cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness, while tamsulosin may lead to dizziness, headache, and abnormal ejaculation. Oxybutynin is not recommended for people with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or certain stomach issues, whereas tamsulosin should be used cautiously in those with sulfa allergies or undergoing eye surgery.

  • Oxybutynin
    Tamsulosin
  • Oxybutynin
    Tamsulosin

  • Summary of Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Summary for Urinary antispasmodic
    Prescription only

    Oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB). Oral oxybutynin is available as a short-acting tablet and solution that is taken 2 to 4 times a day. It also comes as a long-acting tablet that's taken once daily (brand name Ditropan XL). Some common side effects of oxybutynin include dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. Older adults typically lower doses of this medication to lower the risk for side effects.

    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.

  • Indications of Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder
    •Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Pros and Const for Urinary antispasmodic
    Pros
    •Works well to improve symptoms of OAB
    •Available as a convenient, once-daily tablet (Ditropan XL)
    •Can be used in children as young as 5 years old
    •Available as an oral liquid, good for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Commonly causes dry mouth as a side effect
    •Higher risk of side effects in people age 65 and older
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Shouldn't be used by people who have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty urinating, or movement problems with the stomach or intestines
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 71%)
    •Dizziness (up to 17%)
    •Constipation (up to 15%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 14%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Infection (9-11%)

  • Warnings of Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling of face, lips, tongue (angioedema)
    •Hallucinations, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Worsening of other conditions
    •Heat exhaustion
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Ditropan XL vs. Flomax

    Learn more about Oxybutynin
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

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