There are numerous men ages 40 and above with an enlarged prostate who are being prescribed with Flomax medication. But there are also others given with other types of medication such as Uroxatral. The importance of this article is to discuss information on two drugs, Flomax and Uroxatral. This article wants to provide readers the distinction between Flomax and Uroxatral medication and its comparison.
Uroxatral and Flomax are both drugs that are used for the treatment of enlarged prostates or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. These drugs are similar with each other because they both belong to the alpha-1-blocker class of drugs. They have similar actions, purposes and side effects. The difference between the two is the way they affect the functioning of the eye, particularly affecting the cataract sufferers also they differ in generic availability.
Flomax and Uroxatral have different generic availability. The generic drug available for Flomax is Tamsulosin while for Uroxatral the generic available drug is Alfuzosin. Both Flomax and Uroxatral acts by allowing the muscles of the urinary bladder and prostate to relax in the body. Both drugs help relive urinary symptoms and discomfort.
Flomax and Uroxatral are advised to be taken on a full stomach and with lots of water for better absorption in the body. When taking either Flomax or Uroxatral, tablets must be swallowed as a whole and not be chewed or crushed.
The potential side effects of taking Flomax and Uroxatral are similar, this include, dizziness, headaches, erectile problems, problems in libido (sex drive), infection, sinusitis, insomnia and stomach upset. Flomax prescriptions are contraindicated to patients with cataract, because Flomax has been known to cause floppy iris syndrome in patients. Floppy iris syndrome is a condition of having a flaccid iris. It is a complication obtained through cataract extraction. This occurs because alpha 1 blockers are found in several parts of the body, when it is being blocked, poor muscle tone in the iris occurs. The eyes would then become very constricted (small) because the blood supply in the muscles for eye dilation (widening) is blocked. During eye operation, the eyes cannot be properly operated because of its small sized iris. Unlike Flomax, Uroxatral does not cause the same problems that it does with floppy iris syndrome and thus those who suffer from cataracts are prescribed with Uroxatral instead of Flomax.
Drug prescriptions are based on your health care provider. Your health care provider must advise you about the action, side effects, and contraindication of the drug. Patients must also discuss all their concerns to their health care provider so that the best treatment can be achieved.