Medications

Two types of medications have been approved for treatment of prostate enlargement:

• Alpha-blockers, such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), or doxazosin (Cardura), relax the muscles in the prostate and thus may relieve symptoms. Newer alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral), are more commonly prescribed because they may have fewer side effects.



• Finasteride (Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart) can cause the prostate to shrink. As a result, the urinary symptoms may improve. These drugs are most helpful in men who have at least moderate enlargement of the prostate.

More recent studies have indicated that the best results may be seen in men who take a combination of an alpha blocker and a drug to shrink the prostate.