Uroxatral Vs. Flomax
Uroxatral and Flomax are both drugs that are used to treat enlarged prostates in men. These drugs are very similar because they both belong to the alpha-blocker group of drugs. They have similar usage and side effects. The main difference between the two is the way they affect cataract suffers.
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Uroxatral
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Uroxatral is a brand of the drug alfuzosin. It relaxes the muscles in the bladder and prostate, allowing urine to flow more freely. It is usually prescribed in tablets that should be swallowed whole as opposed to the being chewed or crushed. You should also take Uroxatral after a meal and with an entire glass of water. This will help it be absorbed better by your body.
Flomax
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Flomax is brand of the drug tamsulosin, which also allows the muscles of the bladder and prostate to relax. Like Uroxatral, it should be taken on a full stomach and with lots of water to help it work more efficiently. Flomax has been known to cause floppy iris syndrome in cataract patients. It may also affect sexual function in some men through retrograde ejaculation, where semen is not released but pushed into the urinary bladder.
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Alpha-adrenergic Blockers
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Both Flomax and Uroxatral are members of the alpha-adrenergic blocker group of drugs. Just as the name suggests, these drug block alpha-adrenergic receptors. These receptors are located on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of your nervous system that controls your response to threats and other stimuli. These are unconscious responses, meaning that you cannot control them. Simply put, alpha-adrenergic blockers prevent these types of nerve cells from being engaged and sending information to your brain to tighten certain muscles.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
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Both Flomax and Uroxatral should be avoided if you have kidney disease, low blood pressure or prostate cancer. These drugs are also not meant to be taken with certain drugs, such as ketoconzole, itraconzole or ritonavir. You can experience dizziness, headaches and painful erection that last more than four hours with either of these drugs. However, Uroxatral does not cause the same problems that Flomax does with floppy iris syndrome and thus those who suffer from cataracts may choose it instead of Flomax.
Bottom-line
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Whether you choose Flomax or Uroxatral for your prostate enlargement troubles is up to you and your health care provider. In most cases, your health care provider will advise you based on the side effects and drug interactions for each drug. Those who have cataracts and plan on having surgery should avoid Flomax. Always consult your health care provider before starting or stopping prescription drugs. Discuss all your concerns with him and take his advice seriously.
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