There are several medications that can help relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The best medication for an individual depends on the severity of the symptoms and other factors. The following are some of the medications that can be used to treat an enlarged prostate:
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Alpha blockers: These drugs relax the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder, making it easier to urinate. Commonly used alpha blockers include alfuzosin, doxazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin.
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5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These drugs reduce the production of male sex hormones that cause the prostate to grow. As a result, the prostate becomes smaller, and no longer pushes against the bladder and urethra as much. Finasteride and dutasteride are the two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors available.
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PDE5 inhibitors: Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that is often used to treat erectile dysfunction. Studies suggest it also can treat an enlarged prostate.
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Anticholinergics: These drugs relax the bladder muscle if its overactive.
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Combination therapy: Your healthcare provider might suggest that you take an alpha blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor at the same time if either medicine alone doesnt help enough.
It is important to note that supplements aren’t as closely regulated as medicines, and their safety, quality, and effects can vary. Saw palmetto is one of the best-studied and most commonly used supplements to treat BPH, but several large studies do not show that it reduces the size of the prostate or eases urinary symptoms.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best medication for an individuals specific condition.
