Is tamsulosin like Viagra?

If you are struggling with issues related to an enlarged prostate or erectile dysfunction, you may have been prescribed a medication to treat these conditions such as tamsulosin (Flomax) and Viagra (sildenafil). While both prescription drugs treat conditions that affect male reproductive health, they are not the same.

Viagra is an oral medication that is taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) while tamsulosin is taken every day to help treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between Viagra and tamsulosin, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

Viagra and tamsulosin FAQs

What is Viagra?

Viagra, also known as the “blue pill”, is an oral brand-name medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). With ED, you’re unable to have or maintain an erection. Like other treatment options in its class of medications, Viagra only improves erectile function if you combine it with sexual arousal.

Sometimes, sildenafil is also used to treat a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) under the brand name Revatio. You should not take ED medications such as Viagra if you are currently taking Revatio.

What is tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. With BPH, your urethra is blocked, causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as problems with urination. When these problems are persistent, they can severely impact your quality of life. Symptoms of BPH include difficulty voiding (urinating), incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, and increased urinary frequency and urgency. Because BPH symptoms may be similar to those seen with prostate cancer, you should undergo tests to rule out cancer before starting treatment and regularly while on tamsulosin.

Does tamsulosin work the same as Viagra?

The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate, is a PDE-5 inhibitor. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) is an enzyme in your body that breaks down the molecules that normally cause an erection. When it blocks PDE-5, Viagra helps an erection occur by widening your blood vessels to allow more blood flow to your penis. However, you must be sexually stimulated to get an erection while taking Viagra. For most people, Viagra works the first time they use it. But for other people, they may need to take it a few times to get the desired effect.

Tamsulosin is in a class of medications called alpha-blockers. It blocks a specific type of receptor found in the prostate. By blocking these receptors, it relaxes the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder so that urine can flow easily. Other examples of alpha-blockers include Cardura (doxazosin), Hytrin (terazosin), and Uroxatral (alfuzosin ER).

What are the side effects of Viagra?

The most common side effects of Viagra in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Indigestion
  • Changes in vision or light sensitivity
  • Stuffy nose

Some other possible side effects of Viagra may include:

  • Back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle ache
  • Nausea
  • Rash

Rarely, Viagra may cause serious side effects such as:

  • Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions with symptoms such as:
    • Hives
    • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • Heart problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prolonged or painful erection
  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss

Disclaimer: These are not all the possible adverse effects of Viagra. You should always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You should also read all the patient information, including your Medication Guide that comes with Viagra. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are the side effects of tamsulosin?

The most common side effects of tamsulosin include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Stuffy nose
  • Abnormal ejaculation

Other possible side effects of tamsulosin include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Chest pain
  • Sleepiness
  • Weakness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Lower sex drive

Although rare, tamsulosin may also cause more serious side effects, such as:

  • Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions with symptoms such as:
    • Hives
    • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Painful or prolonged erection
  • Eye problems

Disclaimer: These are not all the possible adverse effects of tamsulosin. You should always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You should also read all the patient information, including your Medication Guide that comes with tamsulosin. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Who should not take Viagra?

  • You have an allergy to sildenafil or any inactive ingredients in its formulation.
  • Take medications called nitrates (such as nitroglycerin)
  • Use street drugs called “poppers” such as amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, or butyl nitrate
  • Take medications called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)

Who should not take tamsulosin?

You should not take Flomax if you are allergic to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any inactive ingredients in its formulation.

What does your healthcare provider need to know before taking Viagra?

  • Heart problems or surgery
  • Stroke
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Priapism
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • Blood disorders
  • Eye diseases
  • Bleeding problems
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Liver or kidney problems

What does your healthcare provider need to know before taking tamsulosin?

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • History of low blood pressure
  • Allergies to sulfa or other medicines
  • Planned cataract surgery

Are there any drug interactions with Viagra?

  • Nitrates, alpha-blockers, anti-hypertensives
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin, itraconazole

Are there any drug interactions with tamsulosin?

  • Liver enzyme inhibitors: ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine, paroxetine, ritonavir
  • PDE-5 inhibitors: vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil

What is the dosage of tamsulosin and Viagra?

Viagra

Take Viagra 50 mg as needed 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex. Maximum dose is 100 mg, minimum 25 mg. Best taken on an empty stomach. Do not take more than once daily.

Tamsulosin

Take 0.4 mg once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. May increase to 0.8 mg after 2 to 4 weeks. Do not crush or chew. Consult provider if you miss several days.

Can you take Viagra while on tamsulosin?

Viagra and tamsulosin may be prescribed together, but they can cause low blood pressure. Your provider may lower the dose of one. Report symptoms like dizziness or fainting.

Related medications

  • Cialis (tadalafil)
  • Levitra (vardenafil)
  • Stendra (avanafil)
  • Proscar (finasteride)
  • Avodart (dutasteride)
  • Jalyn (tamsulosin/dutasteride)

Sources

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