Key takeaways
Proscar (finasteride) and terazosin are both used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they work differently and have different uses. Proscar is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that helps shrink the prostate by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes prostate growth. It can take up to 6 months to see improvement with Proscar. Terazosin, on the other hand, is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow, and it can start working within 2 to 4 weeks. Terazosin is also used to treat high blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option due to side effects like dizziness. Proscar is typically taken once daily, and it’s important for pregnant women to avoid handling crushed tablets due to potential harm to an unborn baby. Terazosin is also taken once daily, usually at bedtime to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
