Terazosin vs Tamsulosin

Terazosin vs Tamsulosin – detailed comparison:

Terazosin

It is the generic name of a drug that belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-blockers. It can be found under the brand name of Hytrin.

Mechanism of Action

It works by lowering blood pressure by relaxing arteries and veins so that blood can more easily pass through them. In addition, it relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder.

Uses

This prescription medication is used to treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate and high blood pressure.

Dosage

The usual initial recommended dose is 1 mg orally once per day at bedtime. The usual maintenance recommended dose is 1 to 5 mg orally once per day.

The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

• nausea;
• mild dizziness;
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• drowsiness;
• weakness.

Rare side effects may include:

• penis erection that lasts 4 hours or longer;
• fluttering in your chest;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• pounding heartbeats.

Contraindications

Before taking this alpha-blocker, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to terazosin.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this alpha-blocker since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

• Lisinopril;
• atenolol;
• Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol);
• Cialis (tadalafil);
• Viagra (sildenafil);
• finasteride;
• Myorisan;
• Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol);
• Flomax (tamsulosin).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known whether this alpha-blocker passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Do not use this alpha-blocker without telling your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant.

It is not known whether this alpha-blocker will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Tamsulosin

It is the generic name of a drug that belongs to a group of drugs known as alpha 1A receptor antagonists. It can be found under the brand name of Flomax.

Mechanism of Action

This medication works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder.

Important note – this medication does not shrink the prostate gland. Hence, symptoms are improved with treatment, but, if the prostate gland continues to enlarge, prostate surgery may still be needed.

It is produced by Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals (now part of Astellas Pharma – a Japanese pharmaceutical company). The US Food and Drug Administration first approved this medication in March 2010.

Precautions

Before taking this alpha 1A receptor antagonist, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to sulfa drugs;
• low blood pressure;
• a history of prostate cancer;
• liver or kidney disease.

Uses

This medication is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this alpha 1A receptor antagonist since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Dosage

It is recommended to take it at the same time each day. The medication is taken once per day, about half an hour after a meal.

The usual initial recommended dose is 0.4 mg orally once per day. The maximum recommended dose is 0.8 mg orally once per day.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known whether this alpha 1A receptor antagonist passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Do not use this alpha 1A receptor antagonist without telling your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant.

It is not known whether this alpha 1A receptor antagonist will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common  side effects may include:

• decreased amount of semen;
• diarrhea;
• abnormal ejaculation;
• weakness;
• blurred vision;
• nausea;
• body aches;
• drowsiness;
• chills;
• chest pain;
• fever;
• dizziness;
• sinus pain;
• headaches;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• back pain;
• a sore throat;
• tooth problems;
• a cough;
• flu symptoms.

Rare side effects may include:

• burning in the eyes;
• severe skin reaction;
• a red skin rash that spreads, particularly in the face or upper body;
• penis erection which is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
• skin pain;
• a feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling of the face or tongue;
• decreased interest in sex.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

• Cialis (tadalafil);
• doxazosin;
• prazosin;
• Viagra (sildenafil);
• warfarin.

Bottom Line – Terazosin vs Tamsulosin

Terazosin (brand name – Hytrin) is a medication that relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. In addition, it relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. It is part of a family of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers.

Tamsulosin (brand name – Flomax) is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it substantially easier to urinate.

According to a 2000 study,  terazosin is significantly effective in improving the symptomatic score, while tamsulosin appears to be safer than for aged patients or patients with hypertension who have impaired blood pressure regulation.

Moreover, as per a 2009 study that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of both these medications for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, established that tamsulosin is better than terazosin when assessed by IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), but there was no substantial difference between the two groups in the quality-of-life and prostate volume.

In addition, fewer people receiving tamsulosin experienced dizziness, severe hypotension, and dry mouth, compared with people receiving terazosin.

Regarding their price, the average retail price for 30 capsules of terazosin 2mg is $9, while the average retail price for 30 capsules of tamsulosin 0.4mg is $11.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8684407
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7509243
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12519611