Tamsulosin and Viagra belong to two different classes of medicines. Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker, while Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor.
Tamsulosin treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate gland enlargement.
Sildenafil (Viagra) helps treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It is the inability to get or maintain erections.
But Viagra may also help treat BPH. Also, BPH may lead to sexual problems like ED and Premature Ejaculation (PE).
So, can Tamsulosin treat male sexual issues too? Is Tamsulosin like Viagra?
This article compares the uses of Tamsulosin and Sildenafil (Viagra).
Table of Contents
Is Tamsulosin like Viagra
Source: Dominika_Roseclay_from_PexelsThe FDA has approved Tamsulosin and Viagra to treat different medical conditions. Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker designed to treat urinary health issues.
Viagra is the brand name for a PDE5 inhibitor medication that helps treat a male sexual health issue. It contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, also known as generic Viagra.
Viagra is only approved to treat Erectile Dysfunction. But, generic Viagra (Sildenafil) may also treat enlarged prostate.
Let us learn how Tamsulosin and Sildenafil work and if they are similar.
How do Tamsulosin and Sildenafil work
Viagra (Sildenafil) and Tamsulosin belong to different drug classes. Thus, they work in different ways.
Tamsulosin works on alpha receptors to relax muscles in the prostate gland. It improves urine flow and eases the symptoms of BPH.
Sildenafil blocks the enzyme Phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) to help relax blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the penis and helps produce an erection.
We know Viagra treats ED. Can it also treat symptoms of BPH?
Viagra and enlarged prostate
According to research, ED pills may also help treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Sildenafil and other ED pills help relax penile blood vessels to help get erections. Studies suggest that they may also help relax the muscles in the bladder and reduce BPH symptoms.
BPH is a urinary health issue. But it can also lead to sexual complications like ED and PE.
In that case, PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra may help people with both BPH and Erectile Dysfunction.
Can Tamsulosin be used for Erectile Dysfunction
Tamsulosin is not approved to treat Erectile Dysfunction. While Tamsulosin and Sildenafil can treat BPH, only Sildenafil can treat ED.
Research states that 0.4 mg of Tamsulosin does not harm sexual function.
Can Tamsulosin and Viagra be taken together
Source: Adil_Abdrakhmanov_from_Getty_ImagesIt may be risky to take Viagra and Tamsulosin together. Consult your doctor before combining these two medicines.
Taking Tamsulosin and Sildenafil together may lead to a reduction in blood pressure. It may also cause lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, nasal congestion, and flushing.
Why can’t you take Viagra with Tamsulosin
According to physician Luis Garcia Bunuel, taking Tamsulosin and Viagra can cause a drop in blood pressure.
It is because Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that causes vasodilation. On some occasions, reduced blood flow in the brain may lead to a stroke.
There may be severe consequences to combining the two medicines.
When you have both BPH and Erectile Dysfunction
Those with both ED and BPH should not combine Viagra and Tamsulosin.
ED medicines like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil may help treat both ED and BPH.
Seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve. Your physician may prescribe a more suitable medicine.
The bottom line
So, is Tamsulosin like Viagra? No, it isn’t. Viagra and Tamsulosin belong to different classes of medicines.
Tamsulosin can only help treat issues with an enlarged prostate. But Viagra may help treat both Erectile Dysfunction and enlarged prostate.
Consult your doctor before taking Viagra for BPH. Avoid taking Tamsulosin with Viagra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tamsulosin make you last longer in bed?
According to the World Journal of Men’s Health, Tamsulosin may delay ejaculation. Thus, it may help people last longer in bed.
But, it is not an ejaculatory dysfunction medicine. It is only FDA-approved to treat enlarged prostate.
Does Tamsulosin give you a hard-on?
In rare cases, Tamsulosin may give you prolonged erections or Priapism. It is a severe but rare side effect of Tamsulosin.
If you experience prolonged erections after taking Tamsulosin, you must consult a doctor.
Why is Tamsulosin taken at night?
It is advisable to take Tamsulosin at night as it may make you dizzy or faint. Taking it right before sleeping may help you avoid experiencing the symptoms.
What drugs should not be taken with Tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin may interact with drugs such as Sildenafil, Doxazosin, and Paroxetine.
Taking Tamsulosin with these medicines may worsen the side effects. It may lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
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