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Uroxatral Alternatives
Some alternatives to Uroxatral (alfuzosin hydrochloride) include other medications, "watchful waiting," or surgery. These alternatives may be necessary if Uroxatral is not effective or if side effects occur. The two main types of medications used as Uroxatral alternatives to treat an enlarged prostate include alpha-1 blockers (such as Uroxatral) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In some cases, however, it may only be necessary to have your healthcare provider regularly monitor your condition.
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There are several alternatives to Uroxatral® (alfuzosin hydrochloride) for treating an enlarged prostate (known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). These alternatives include:
- Other BPH medications
- "Watchful waiting"
- Surgery.
Medication Alternatives to Uroxatral
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. Uroxatral belongs to this category of medications. Other medicines in this class that are considered Uroxatral 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 DHT (dihydrotestosterone), helping to shrink the prostate. These medications may take as long as six months to see results. There are currently two of these medications available:
- Dutasteride (Avodart®)
- Finasteride (Proscar®).
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD