Flomax vs. Proscar

• Are Proscar and Flomax the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flomax?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Proscar?
• What is Flomax?
• What is Proscar?
• What Drugs Interact with Flomax?
• What Drugs Interact with Proscar?
• How Should Flomax Be Taken?
• How Should Proscar Be Taken?

Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) and Proscar (finasteride) are used to treat the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland).

Flomax and Proscar belong to different drug classes. Flomax is an alpha-blocker and Proscar is an inhibitor of steroid Type II 5a-reductase.

Common side effects of Flomax include:

• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• weakness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• back pain,
• blurred vision,
• dental problems,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• abnormal ejaculation,
• decreased sex drive,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• sore throat, or
• cough.

Common side effects of Proscar include:

• impotence,
• loss of interest in sex,
• trouble having an orgasm,
• abnormal ejaculation,
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• feeling faint,
• headache,
• runny nose, or
• skin rash.

In some men, Proscar can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless. Proscar may also increase hair growth. The sexual side effects of Proscar may continue after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) is an alpha-blocker used to treat the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Proscar is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of:

• men with erectile dysfunction (ED)
• men with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• men with both ED and BPH

Flomax may interact with conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, or HIV/AIDS medicines.

Flomax may also interact with cimetidine, cyclosporine, methimazole, pioglitazone, ropinirole, ticlopidine, warfarin, anti-malaria medications, erectile dysfunction medicines, heart rhythm medications, or medicines to treat psychiatric disorders.

Proscar may interact with other drugs

Flomax capsules 0.4 mg once daily is recommended as the dose for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH and dosing should be taken by mouth, usually once daily.

• Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting.
• After the first dose, take your regularly scheduled dose 30 minutes after the same meal each day.
• Drug interaction and warnings include that Flomax capsules should not be used in combination with other alpha andrenergic blocking agents.
• It should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole).

Flomax capsules 0.4 mg once daily is recommended as the dose for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH and dosing should be taken by mouth, usually once daily.

• Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting.
• After the first dose, take your regularly scheduled dose 30 minutes after the same meal each day.
• Drug interaction and warnings include that Flomax capsules should not be used in combination with other alpha andrenergic blocking agents.
• It should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole).

The recommended dose of Proscar is one tablet (5 mg) taken once a day. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Proscar is not recommended for use in women and must not be used during pregnancy. This medication is not usually used in women. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.