Class: Alpha-1 blocker
Dosage: 10 mg once daily after a meal
Onset: 3-5 days
Cost: NZ$12/month
Best For: Patients wanting once-daily dosing with minimal blood-pressure impact
Class: Alpha-1A blocker
Dosage: 0.4 mg once daily
Onset: Within 24 hours
Cost: NZ$18/month
Best For: Those needing fast relief and tolerating sexual side effects
Class: Non-selective alpha-1 blocker
Dosage: 4 mg once daily (titrate)
Onset: 4-7 days
Cost: NZ$15/month
Best For: Men with concurrent hypertension
Class: Alpha-1A blocker
Dosage: 8 mg once daily
Onset: 2-3 days
Cost: NZ$22/month
Best For: Patients who don’t mind sexual changes
Class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
Dosage: 5 mg once daily
Onset: 6-12 months
Cost: NZ$20/month
Best For: Large prostates (>40 g) or rising PSA
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing medications.
Drug (Generic) | Class | Dosage/Frequency | Onset of Relief | Common Side Effects | Cost (NZ$) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alfuzosin | Alpha-1 blocker | 10 mg once daily | 3-5 days | Dizziness, headache | $12 | Patients wanting once-daily dosing with minimal BP impact |
Tamsulosin | Alpha-1A blocker | 0.4 mg once daily | 24 hours | Ejaculation issues, dizziness | $18 | Those needing fast relief and tolerating sexual side effects |
Doxazosin | Non-selective alpha-1 blocker | 4 mg once daily (titrate) | 4-7 days | Hypotension, fatigue | $15 | Men with concurrent hypertension |
Silodosin | Alpha-1A blocker | 8 mg once daily | 2-3 days | Retrograde ejaculation, dry mouth | $22 | Patients who don't mind sexual changes |
Finasteride | 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor | 5 mg once daily | 6-12 months | Sexual dysfunction, breast changes | $20 | Large prostates (>40 g) or rising PSA |
When treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Uroxatral is a prescription alpha‑1 blocker (generic name Alfuzosin) that relaxes prostate smooth muscle to improve urine flow. Many patients ask how it stacks up against the many other pills on the market. This guide breaks down the science, the side‑effect profile, and the cost factors so you can decide whether the Uroxatral comparison you’re reading is worth your time.
Alfuzosin belongs to the alpha‑1 blocker class. It binds preferentially to the alpha‑1A subtype located in prostate smooth muscle, reducing muscle tone without a strong effect on blood vessels. This selectivity means fewer episodes of dizziness or orthostatic hypotension compared with less selective agents like Doxazosin.
Typical dosing is 10mg taken after a meal, once a day. Food improves absorption and reduces the chances of an upset stomach. Peak plasma levels appear within 4‑6hours, and steady‑state concentrations are reached after about five days.
Below are the most frequently prescribed BPH drugs, each introduced with a short microdata definition.
Tamsulosin is an alpha‑1A selective blocker sold as Flomax, known for its rapid onset (within 24hours) and a once‑daily bedtime dose.
Doxazosin is a non‑selective alpha‑1 blocker (brand Cardura) that also lowers blood pressure, often used when BPH co‑exists with hypertension.
Silodosin is a highly alpha‑1A selective agent (brand Rapaflo) that may cause retrograde ejaculation in up to 10% of users.
Finasteride is a 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor (brand Proscar) that shrinks prostate volume over 6‑12months but can lower libido and cause sexual dysfunction.
5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor is a drug class that blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, resulting in gradual prostate shrinkage.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that obstructs urine flow and is common after age 50.
Drug (Generic) | Class | Typical Dose/Frequency | Onset of Symptom Relief | Common Side Effects | NZ$ Cost (30days) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alfuzosin | Alpha‑1 blocker | 10mg once daily | 3‑5days | Dizziness, headache | ~$12 | Patients wanting once‑daily dosing with minimal blood‑pressure impact |
Tamsulosin | Alpha‑1A blocker | 0.4mg once daily | 24hours | Ejaculation issues, dizziness | ~$18 | Those needing fast relief and tolerating sexual side effects |
Doxazosin | Non‑selective alpha‑1 blocker | 4mg once daily (titrate) | 4‑7days | Hypotension, fatigue | ~$15 | Men with concurrent hypertension |
Silodosin | Alpha‑1A blocker | 8mg once daily | 2‑3days | Retrograde ejaculation, dry mouth | ~$22 | Patients who don’t mind sexual changes |
Finasteride | 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor | 5mg once daily | 6‑12months | Sexual dysfunction, breast changes | ~$20 | Large prostates (>40g) or rising PSA |
Ask yourself these three questions before committing to a pill:
Most clinicians start with an alpha‑1 blocker because it works quickly and is cheap. If symptoms persist after 4‑6weeks, they may switch to a different blocker or combine it with a 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor.
Yes. Both drugs are alpha‑1 blockers, so most doctors advise a direct switch on the same day. However, keep an eye on blood pressure and report any new dizziness.
Alfuzosin’s selectivity makes it one of the safer options for older adults, but dose adjustments may be needed if kidney function declines. Always have renal labs checked before starting.
Taking it after a meal improves absorption and reduces stomach upset, so it’s the recommended practice.
Most patients report improvement within 3‑5days. Full maximal effect can take up to two weeks.
Yes, the combination is common for men with large prostates. The blocker gives quick relief, while the inhibitor works slowly to shrink the gland.
Armed with this side‑by‑side look, you can talk to your doctor with confidence, weigh the pros and cons, and pick the BPH pill that fits your lifestyle and health profile.
Uroxatral looks like a solid option for most guys.
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