Cardura XL Alternatives

If Cardura XL (doxazosin XL) does not adequately control your symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or if bothersome side effects occur, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options. Alternatives to Cardura XL include other medications, watchful waiting, and surgery. Other medications your healthcare provider may consider include alpha-1 blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

An Overview of Alternatives to Cardura XL

There are several alternatives to Cardura® XL (doxazosin XL) for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). These substitutes might include:
 
  • Other BPH medications
  • "Watchful waiting"
  • Surgery.
 
Other BPH Medications
There are basically two types of medicines used to treat BPH:
 
  • Alpha-1 blockers (alpha blockers for short): These medicines help relax the muscles near the prostate. They have no effect on the size of the prostate, but they can work very quickly. Cardura XL belongs to this category of medications. Other medicines in this class that are considered Cardura XL alternatives for the treatment of BPH include:
 
Because some alpha-1 blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), they may be especially helpful for men with both BPH and high blood pressure. Common side effects of alpha-1 blockers include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These medicines block the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), helping to shrink the prostate. It may take awhile to see results with these medications. There are currently two of these medications available:
 
Common side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence or ED), and decreased ejaculate volume.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a commonly used medical term that refers to careful monitoring of a condition rather than treatment. Watchful waiting is especially appropriate if a man does not have any enlarged prostate symptoms or if the symptoms are not too bothersome. Watchful waiting will include regular visits to your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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