What is the best medicine for prostate enlargement?
William Smith
Updated on March 30, 2026
There are several treatment options for an enlarged prostate. You can take alpha-blockers such as terazosin (Hytrin) or tamsulosin (Flomax) to help relax the prostate and bladder muscles. You can also take dutasteride (Avodart) or finasteride (Proscar), a different kind of medication for reducing BPH symptoms.
What is the first line treatment for BPH?
Alpha blockers are recommended as first-line treatment for BPH, except for prazosin (Minipress) and phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline), which lack data to support their use and, therefore, are not recommended. The 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are only recommended in men with documented prostate enlargement.
Which drug regimen is most effective with benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Alpha blockers are the most effective, least costly, and best tolerated of the drugs for relieving LUTS. Four long-acting alpha 1 blockers are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of symptomatic LUTS/BPH: terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin.
What is a good alternative to Flomax?
Other alpha blockers
- alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- doxazosin (Cardura)
- silodosin (Rapaflo)
- terazosin (Hytrin)
Is there a natural alternative to Flomax?
Saw palmetto This herb helps relax muscles in the bladder and prostate to relieve urinary symptoms. It may work as well as the medication finasteride (Proscar) to treat BPH.
When should I take Flomax?
Flomax is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
Is Flomax better than terazosin?
We found that tamsulosin is better than terazosin when assessed by IPSS (weighted mean difference (WMD)=-1.24 95% CI [- 1.98, -0.51], there was no significant difference between the two groups in QOL (WMD=0.04 95% CI [-0.16, 0.24]), Qmax (WMD=-0.38 95% CI [-1.18, 0.41]), Q(ave) (WMD=-0.39 95% CI [- 0.84, 0.06]).
Is tamsulosin an alpha blocker?
About tamsulosin Tamsulosin belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-blockers. It’s used to treat men with symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement). It’s also occasionally taken to treat kidney stones.
What are the most common prostate medications?
Common combinations include: Finasteride and doxazosin Dutasteride and tamsulosin — this comes in a single pill (Jalyn) Alpha blockers and antimuscarinics (drugs used to treat overactive bladder)
What is the best over the counter prostate medicine?
Medication. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier. Alpha blockers — which include alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), tamsulosin (Flomax) and silodosin (Rapaflo) — usually work quickly in men with relatively small prostates.
How to relieve BPH symptoms?
Reduce stress by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
What causes BPH symptoms?
BPH is considered a normal condition of male aging, and many men older than 80 years have BPH symptoms. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor. Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with your testicles may raise your risk of BPH.