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Compare Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

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

Key takeaways

Silodosin (Rapaflo) and tamsulosin (Flomax) are both alpha-1 blockers used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. They work by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder to make urination easier. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Silodosin is typically taken as an 8 mg capsule once daily with a meal, while tamsulosin is usually taken as a 0.4 mg capsule 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of silodosin include retrograde ejaculation and dizziness, while tamsulosin may cause headaches, dizziness, and abnormal ejaculation. Both medications can cause a drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up, but tamsulosin is less likely to cause this side effect. Both medications have a number of important drug interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Silodosin (Rapaflo)
    Tamsulosin
  • Silodosin (Rapaflo)
    Tamsulosin

  • Summary of Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Summary for Alpha blocker
    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).

    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 Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Pros and Const for Alpha blocker
    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
    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 Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

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

  • Warnings of Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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)
    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 Silodosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Learn more about Silodosin
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

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