An enlarged prostate is a naturally occurring activity among males. But this may turn into a clinical condition if the growth becomes unchecked and causes hindrance to the discharge of urine. The prostate gland looks like a small ball say, equals the size of a gold-ball. But, among males who have an enlargement of prostate, it may well to become the size of a tennis-ball or of an apple. Drugs such as silodosin and tamsulosin are used for the treatment of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But, which of these two drugs fares better? It is important to know more on this.

As men become older, tissues surrounding your prostate can expand or may thicken. This condition is called as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); in simple terms, it is known as an enlarged prostate. Men witness prostatic growth at 2 stages of their lifetime; one- when they reach puberty and two- as they turn 25 years of age. This growth in adults may turn more pronounced as they age further. A one point in time, the enlarged prostate begins to push your urethra. A continuous pressure may render weakness to the urinary tract, especially the bladder. One of the glaring symptoms is your inability to pass urine in full; in other words, a significant portion of urine is retained or stays back in the bladder.

Rate of incidence of an enlarged prostate among males has been widely studied and is adequately researched. As per reliable secondary sources, more than 40% of men – especially, those between 50 to 60 years of age are known to develop it. As men become older, the rate only gets higher. For example: men over 75 years and more, rate of incidence fares at upwards of 70%.

In older men, this condition may show up as an abundant amount of residual urine. Quantum of urine retained increases if the condition remains untreated. Men may also report of other urinary discomforts such as a slimmer stream of urine, starting problems with urination, need to urinate very often as well as an uncontrollable impulse to urinate immediately.

Use of silodosin for treating an enlarged prostate

Several types of drugs are available for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Of such meds, silodosin is a popularly prescribed drug. The main function of the active ingredients of this drug is aimed to manage an enlarged prostate. This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. Drugs of this genre do not make your prostate to regain its original shape. Instead, the key ingredients help ease up the muscles and tissues of the prostatic region. Such eased up muscles provide relief to discomforts like: slimmer outflow of urine, urges to pee often, troubles while beginning to urinate, etc.

Tamsulosin for treatment of BPH

This drug is also used for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. This drug helps easing your urinary tract by relaxing the muscles surrounding it. It is used for treating men’s inability to pass urine freely. Its use is also highly recommended for males who have urinary retention. The key chemicals of alpha blockers such as tamsulosin do not bring back the prostate to the original shape; not is this med used for prevention of cancers in prostatic or urinary tract of males.

Which drug works better i.e., is it silodosin or tamsulosin for BPH?

Tamsulosin is as commonly used as silodosin for managing an enlarged prostate; however, a few men may have no response or very limited improvement of their medical condition. Owing to which, silodosin is considered as a better offering to treat BPH or related urinary problems.

Based on a few closed group research, Silodosin is also found to be more efficient; this can be inferred by the time taken to bring about relief from urinary conditions. The only hitch is the dosage strength of silodosin fares at a fairly higher level than its counterpart, tamsulosin. The dosage strength of tamsulosin is 0.4 mg within a 24-hour timeline; while silodosin is taken in doses of 4 mg per day. Both these drugs are also used for the treatment of distal ureteral stones (also known as DUS).

Hence, men need to take their treating doctor’s advice about the likely reactions as well as adverse side effects, especially if they are taking silodosin over the long term. Also, how safe is this drug onto children as well as teens are not well-documented. Owing to these risks, it is a good practice to consult with your caregiving team and / or pharmacist before commencing your treatment.

Consumption of alpha blockers and prior ailments

Active ingredients of drugs belonging to the genre of alpha blocker need an efficient functioning of the liver. Those who have malfunctioning liver find it difficult to process either of these meds. So, those who are living with prior clinical conditions such as cirrhosis and / or inflammation of liver should keep their caregiver(s) abreast of all such prior conditions.

A liver problem can lead to excessive build-up of the key chemicals of either of these meds. In such instances, you are more likely to witness adverse effects as well as discomforts like excessive level of drowsiness, a faster heartbeat, erratic pulse rates, skin problems (such as itchiness, rashes or discoloration), palpitations, migraines / headaches as well as a significant drop in blood pressure levels.

Users who witness frequent spells of hypotension or low level of blood pressure must keep their physician and / or pharmacist informed of such episodes as well of their triggers. For such users, the caregiver may moderate the dosage strength of these alpha blockers. In this light, you are advised to know the unique signs / symptoms of low blood pressure; these are dizziness, extreme level of drowsiness and a few discomforts experienced while changing postures – especially, from a standing pose to a sleeping or lying down position.

In some cases, an acute spell of headache ensues when the pressure drop remains unchecked. As you are likely to lose your balance, it is dangerous to pursue activities such as working with heavy machinery, driving or performing activities needing a high level of focus or mental energy. It is equally unsafe to do sporting actions such as diving, swimming or cycling.

In some users, either of these alpha blockers may trigger kidney based ailments. So, if you are sensing painful spells of urination, inability to discharge urine freely, etc., tell your treating doctor of such renal problems. Also, if you are witnessing a darkened output of urine and / or altered output of the fluid, these inputs are to be shared prior to commencing your treatment. On the same vein, it becomes essential to know that your treating physician has administered either of these alpha blockers after having understood the merits and demerits of these meds. Where the caregiving team senses likely trigger of undesired side effects, either the dosage strength is lowered substantially or a few safer alternatives are prescribed.

What are the possible risks of drug interactions between alpha blockers and other meds?

These alpha blockers may interact with other meds when they are consumed together as part of your medication plan. Care to tell your doctor / pharmacist if your plan(s) already has other alpha blocker drugs like prazosin and / or terazosin. Men who are currently taking meds such as sildenafil, avanafil or tadalafil – chiefly, meds used to treating erectile dysfunction (ED, in short), must make their doctor(s) aware of such dosages and the overall treatment plans they drugs become part of. Men who took any of the aforesaid ED drugs along with ether of these alpha blockers witnessed serious side effects such as loss of coordination, fainting and /or passing out.

In general, it becomes important to inform your caregiving team about other meds you are presently consuming. As a related cautionary measure, compile a list of all the meds you are currently taking. While you compile such a list, ensure you have added over the counter (OTC) drugs, prescription meds, supplements of vitamins, proteins as well as minerals, dietary aids as well as herbal supplements, if any. Last but not least, if you plan to take a shot of vaccine while taking any of these drugs, make your caregiver aware of such a shot.

Those who have prior allergies / hypersensitivity to a few drugs or active chemicals must keep their doctor / pharmacist informed of such conditions. Allergic reactions caused by alpha blockers may show up in the form of breathing problems (panting or wheezing), skin conditions, swelling of oral organs as well as facial parts such as lips, cheeks, etc. In such instances, stop taking the treatment and talk to your doctor as quickly as you possibly can.

In sum, tamsulosin and silodosin are drugs widely used to treat an enlarged prostate gland. If men do not show positive outcomes upon taking tamsulosin, doses of silodosin are offered. The latter is known to be offer better relief to conditions such as BPH. The dosage strength of silodosin is however higher than tamsulosin. Strength of tamsulosin is generally pegged at 0.4 mg per day and for silodosin, it hovers between 4 mg to 8 mg within a 24-hour timeline. You are advised to talk to your caregiving team for a detailed understanding of how these two alpha blockers work.