Alpha blockers:
These drugs don't reduce the size of the prostate, but they are very
effective at relieving symptoms. They work by relaxing the muscles
around the prostate and bladder neck, so urine can flow more easily.
These drugs work quickly, so symptoms improve within a day or two.
They are most effective for men with normal to moderately enlarged
prostate glands.
The drugs: Flomax (tamsulosin), Uroxatral (alfuzosin), Hytrin (terazosin),
and Cardura (doxazosin).
Alpha blockers were originally created to treat high blood pressure;
dizziness is the most common side effect; other side effects are
generally mild and controllable. Possible side effects: headache,
stomach irritation, and stuffy nose. These drugs are not for men
with significant urine retention and frequent urinary tract
infections.
5-Alpha reductase inhibitors: These drugs can partially shrink the
prostate by reducing levels of a male hormone -- dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) -- which is involved in prostate growth. These drugs take
longer to work than alpha blockers, but there is urine flow
improvement after three months. These drugs can reduce risk of acute
retention (inability to urinate) -- and also reduce the need for
prostate surgery. You may need to take them for six to 12 months to
see if they work.
The drugs: Proscar (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride).
Possible side effects: erection problems, decreased sexual desire,
and reduced amount of semen. These side effects are generally mild
and may go away when you stop taking the drugs -- or after the first
year of taking the drugs.
Billings,
Montana
Tampa, Florida
Cape Coral, Florida
Monaco, Monaco
Cotonou (de facto capital)
City of Holroyd, Australia
Garland, Texas
Madison, Wisconsin
Djibouti, Djibouti
Al Hayrah, United Arab Emirates, Al Hayrah, UAE
