Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

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

  • Terazosin
    Tamsulosin (Flomax)
  • Terazosin
    Tamsulosin (Flomax)

  • Summary of Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Summary for Alpha-1 blocker
    Prescription only

    Terazosin is a medication that’s typically used to treat difficulty urinating caused by an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It can also be used to treat high blood pressure, but it’s not a first-choice option for this condition due to the risk of side effects, like feeling dizzy or weak, particularly for older adults. Terazosin is taken by mouth, typically once daily at bedtime. It’s only available as a lower-cost generic (former brand name Hytrin).

    Summary for Alpha-1 blocker
    Prescription only

    Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a commonly prescribed oral medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. For it to work properly, you have to take it 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Also, since tamsulosin (Flomax) has a lot of interactions, you'll need to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start any new medications.

  • Indications of Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Indications for
    •Difficulty urinating caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 blocker
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for high blood pressure
    •Can cause dizziness, especially if you stand up quickly
    •If you miss your dose for many days, you may need to restart treatment at the starting dose
    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 blocker
    Pros
    •Considered a first-choice treatment option for BPH
    •Oral medication that you only have to take once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Less likely to cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, compared to similar medications
    Cons
    •Only treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate rather than affect the growth of the prostate
    •Needs to be taken at the same time every day 30 minutes after a meal
    •Can have negative side effects on your sexual health
    •Though rare, maybe not the best option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Weakness (7%)

    High blood pressure:

    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Weakness (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19-21%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)

  • Warnings of Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Eye problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Terazosin vs. Tamsulosin

    Learn more about Terazosin
    Learn more about Tamsulosin

Compare other Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia drugs

Terazosin vs TamsulosinAlfuzosin vs TamsulosinFinasteride vs TamsulosinSilodosin vs Tamsulosin

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.