Tamsulosin vs. Viagra for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Tamsulosin

Sildenafil

(Viagra)

Summary for Tamsulosin

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 Tamsulosin

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)

Pros and Cons for Tamsulosin

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 Tamsulosin

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

Warnings for Tamsulosin

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

Summary for Viagra

Prescription only

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a tablet that's taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction (ED) in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor to help people get an erection or keep an erection that lasts for sex. You only take a dosage when you need it (usually about an hour, or anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, before sex). Take sildenafil (Viagra) no more than once a day. Otherwise, it can put you at risk of serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. Other more common side effects include headache and flushing. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Viagra

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Pros and Cons for Viagra

Pros

A first-choice medication for ED
Taken only when you need it
Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
Comes in different strengths, so you and your prescriber can find which works best for you

Cons

Can take up to an hour to get its full effect
Higher risk of side effects for people 65 years and older
Not recommended if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
Can't take if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

Common Side Effects for Viagra

Headache (16-28%)
Flushing (10-19%)
Indigestion (3-17%)
Changes in vision (e.g., color tinge, blurry vision, light sensitivity; 1-11%)
Stuffy nose (4-9%)

Warnings for Viagra

Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
Low blood pressure
Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
Vision changes
Hearing loss
Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Tamsulosin vs. Viagra

Tamsulosin30 capsules / 0.4mg

$9.90$13.15

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Viagra10 tablets / 100mg

$550.00$973.70

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Tamsulosin vs. Viagra

Tamsulosin

Sildenafil

Summary for Tamsulosin

Indications for Tamsulosin

Pros and Cons for Tamsulosin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tamsulosin

Warnings for Tamsulosin

Summary for Viagra

Indications for Viagra

Pros and Cons for Viagra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viagra

Warnings for Viagra

Prices with our coupons for Tamsulosin vs. Viagra

Compare other Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Tamsulosin

Sildenafil

Summary for Tamsulosin

Indications for Tamsulosin

Pros and Cons for Tamsulosin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tamsulosin

Warnings for Tamsulosin

Summary for Viagra

Indications for Viagra

Pros and Cons for Viagra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viagra

Warnings for Viagra