Uroxatral for Prostate: Generic and Alternative Options

While Uroxatral is commonly used to treat the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in men, other medications are also available. In addition, alternative treatments are available with potentially fewer side effects and preventive qualities.

Uroxatral, generic, and alternative options, says WebMD, are used to alleviate the effects an enlarged prostate can have on urinary functions. An enlarged prostate can put undue pressure on the urethra, which can prevent the bladder from emptying completely. This can cause frequent and urgent urination, significantly disrupting a person’s life.

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Prostate enlargement can lead to bladder and urinary tract infections and potentially cause kidney damage. Uroxatral acts to relax the bladder and prostate muscles to help with urination.

According to Drugs.com, Uroxatral can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. Serious side effects include light-headedness or fainting, chest pain, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, and painful or long-lasting erections (four or more hours). Medication interactions are also common.

Additional medication alternatives to Uroxatral are available, according to Healthline, and include the following:

Alpha blockers
Commonly used to lower blood pressure, these medications help relax the bladder muscle:
• Alfuzosin (generic for Uroxatral)
• Terazosin
• Doxazosin
• Tamsulosin

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5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
These medications help to shrink the prostate:
• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Dutasteride/Tamsulosin

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors
Typically used to treat erectile dysfunction, these medications can help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and cannot be taken with alpha blockers:
• Tadalifil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)
• Sildenafil (Viagra)

Clinical evidence has revealed that herbal supplements are often effective alternatives to Uroxatral and generic medications to treat mild symptoms of prostate enlargement, according to WebMD. These include saw palmetto, red clover, soy, and African tree bark. Some of the alternative options may also help to prevent prostate cancer.

As with any alternative treatment that has not been approved by the FDA, medical professionals caution users to consult with a physician prior to starting an herbal remedy regimen.

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