Photo: Pixabay

Is there a better med than Flomax?

Some alternative selective alpha-blockers to Flomax include: Uroxatral (alfuzosin) Rapaflo (silodosin) non-branded tamsulosin.

medicalnewstoday.com - Flomax alternatives: Alpha-blockers and treatment options

Where is the first place prostate cancer spreads to?

In theory, prostate cancer cells can spread anywhere in the body. In practice, though, prostate cancer metastasis occurs most often in the lymph...

Last updated May 2, 2021

What happens to men's brains as they age?

Changes in the Aging Brain Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities. In...

Last updated May 25, 2018

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

For most, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a mild inconvenience that can be treated with a drug called Flomax. But Flomax does not work well for everyone. Some alternatives can help men with this condition relieve their symptoms and feel better. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate can cause painful and frequent urination, bladder stones, and incontinence. According to one estimate, nearly 1 in 5 men between 55 and 74 experience this condition. What is Flomax? Share on Pinterest Flomax is an alpha-blocker prescribed to treat BPH symptoms. Flomax, the branded version of the drug tamsulosin, is often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of BPH. Flomax is one of a group of drugs called alpha-1 blockers that can help urine flow more easily. Commonly known as alpha-blockers, these drugs change the behavior of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. This can relax muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier to urinate. Flomax is considered a selective alpha-blocker, which means it targets the urinary tract specifically and has less effect on other muscles. In men with a moderately enlarged prostate who have no serious health issues, Flomax often works well. But for some, it causes unpleasant side effects. Common side effects of Flomax include: low blood pressure

nasal congestion

swollen ankles

dry mouth

headaches and dizziness

fatigue

problems with ejaculation For some men, however, the cost is also a significant concern. Flomax can cost more than $200 per month and might not be entirely covered by insurance. Flomax may be no more effective than other alpha-blockers, but the manufacturing company spends more than $100 million marketing it to consumers, so it is often the only BPH drug many people know about. Other alpha-blockers for BPH Share on Pinterest Alternative alpha-blockers are available. Speaking to a doctor or pharmacist may help when choosing the most suitable medication. Other alpha-blockers work in much the same way as Flomax. Doxazosin may cost as little as $10 per month. Hytrin, another generic drug, also works well. Both drugs are nonselective alpha-1 blockers, which means they can lower a person’s blood pressure. Selective alpha-blockers, such as Flomax, can also lower blood pressure but not quite as much as nonselective alpha-blockers. Some alternative selective alpha-blockers to Flomax include: Uroxatral (alfuzosin)

Rapaflo (silodosin)

non-branded tamsulosin

Other drugs for BPH Alpha-blockers are not the only option for treating BPH. Several other drugs may help: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reverse the enlargement of the prostate. They do this by preventing the body from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can cause the prostate to grow, putting pressure on the urethra and making it difficult for the urine to flow. Drugs in this group include Avodart (dutasteride) and Proscar (finasteride). These drugs may lower libido, cause problems with ejaculation, or lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Rarely, they can cause gynecomastia, a condition in which a man develops breasts. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED). They may also treat the symptoms of BPH , particularly in men who also have ED. Sometimes phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are used alongside other BPH drugs to combat erectile side effects. Drugs in this group include: Viagra (sildenafil) Cialis (tadalafil) These drugs can cause headaches, nausea, and drops in blood pressure. Rarely, they may cause a painful erection that does not go away. Drug combinations Combining certain medications may help when a single drug does not work. For example, alpha-blockers combined with drugs for an overactive bladder may be more effective. Occasionally, doctors use other drugs on an off-label basis to treat BPH. It is crucial for a person to discuss the risks and benefits of BPH medications with their doctor.

Can testosterone be restored?

If you don't have a medical condition that's contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost...

Last updated Aug 9, 2020

Can exercise restore kidneys?

Although not a cure for kidney disease, fitness can reduce further kidney damage by keeping the rest of the body functioning at peak and improving...

Last updated May 13, 2018

Promotion

Other medical treatments for BPH Share on Pinterest A prostatectomy may be required when drugs fail to treat BPH, or there are other complications. When drug treatment fails or when there are other problems with the prostate, such as frequent prostate infections, a doctor might recommend a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a procedure in which the surgeon removes all or a portion of the prostate. In some people, this can alleviate symptoms with few or no side effects. However, a prostatectomy may cause incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other health concerns. People should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of a prostatectomy, and talk to their doctors about which form of prostatectomy is likely to be the most effective. A less invasive treatment heats the prostate, often with a laser, and can slow prostate growth. This procedure may require general anesthesia. Less frequently, a doctor may recommend the temporary or permanent use of a catheter. A catheter is a tube that goes through the urethra to help empty the bladder. It can help people whose prostates are very large and swollen. A catheter can also be used as a temporary remedy when the prostate has swollen due to surgery or another medical procedure. Lifestyle changes and home remedies Some herbal remedies may help with some symptoms of BPH. Those include: Cernilton is an herbal remedy made from rye-grass pollen. This supplement is available over the counter, and most studies suggest it causes few side effects. It may moderately improve urological functioning. is an herbal remedy made from rye-grass pollen. This supplement is available over the counter, and most studies suggest it causes few side effects. It urological functioning. Saxifrage , an herbal remedy made from the Chinese herb Saxifraga stolonifera, may improve prostate function in some people, although research into its effectiveness is mixed. , an herbal remedy made from the Chinese herb Saxifraga stolonifera, may improve prostate function in some people, although research into its effectiveness is mixed. Babassu , another herbal remedy, is made from a Brazilian palm tree. Animal studies suggest it is safe to use. It may work by slowing prostate growth and causing some prostate cells to die. , another herbal remedy, is made from a Brazilian palm tree. Animal studies suggest it is safe to use. It may work by slowing prostate growth and causing some prostate cells to die. Ganodermataceae is a type of fungus that may work similarly to some 5-alpha-reductase drugs. Research on rats showed that it could reduce testosterone’s effect on the prostate. Testosterone is a major culprit in the prostate growth associated with BPH.

Is Cranberry Juice Good for the prostate?

Cranberry juice is most well-known for the beneficial effect it can have on symptoms of a urinary tract infection; however, it may also be...

Last updated Sep 2, 2021

What drink shrinks prostate?

Drinking green tea regularly can ease inflammation in the prostate gland. This, in turn, reduces pressure on the urethra, thus easing common...

Last updated Mar 22, 2020

Promotion

is a type of fungus that may work similarly to some 5-alpha-reductase drugs. Research on rats showed that it could reduce testosterone’s effect on the prostate. Testosterone is a major culprit in the prostate growth associated with BPH. Saw palmetto is a herbal remedy sometimes used to treat prostate problems. While some studies have shown promise, the best-designed studies suggest that saw palmetto does not work any better than a placebo. It is essential to speak with a doctor before using any supplements. A person should also be aware that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor the effectiveness, quality, or safety of supplements. A few lifestyle changes may improve symptoms, but they will not reverse BPH. Those remedies include: not drinking fluids a few hours before going to bed