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.

Key takeaways

Terazosin and tamsulosin (Flomax) are both alpha-1 blockers used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. While both medications help relax muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow, they have some differences. Terazosin can also used to treat high blood pressure, but it is not a first-choice option due to side effects. Tamsulosin is specifically for BPH and is a first-choice treatment for this condition. Terazosin is taken once daily at bedtime, while tamsulosin should be taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of terazosin include dizziness and weakness, while tamsulosin can cause headaches, dizziness, and abnormal ejaculation. Both medications can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, but tamsulosin is less likely to cause this than terazosin. Tamsulosin has a lot of interactions. Always be sure you prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Terazosin
    Tamsulosin
  • Terazosin
    Tamsulosin

  • 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 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 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 or 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
    •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 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%)
    •Stuffy nose (13-18%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (8-18%)
    •Dizziness (15-17%)
    •Infection (9-11%)

  • 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
    •Interactions with other medications
    •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.