Flomax Alternatives

Flomax is a prescription medication used to treat enlarged prostate by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and neck of the bladder to help urination. As with most prescription medications, certain restrictions apply to the eligibility and use of Flomax, and unpleasant or even dangerous side effects may occur. For this reason, alternatives are available to control and counter the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery.

Condition Monitoring

• If your symptoms don't interfere with your daily life, intensive treatments and medications may not be necessary to care for an enlarged prostate. Instead, your doctor can carefully monitor your condition, watching for any signs of increased trouble. This requires regular visits to your doctor for a clear record of your prostate health.

Lifestyle Changes

• Symptoms of enlarged prostate may lessen in severity and development through lifestyle changes. Visit the bathroom regularly and avoid the urge to "hold it" to avoid stretching the bladder, causing damage. Stay active, reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption and limit the use of decongestants or antihistamines, which can make urinating difficult by tightening the muscles around your urethra. Limit the amount of liquid you drink in the evening to avoid any late-night bathroom trips.

Surgery

• For patients with severe symptoms of enlarged prostate, surgery may be the best option available. Prostate surgery options vary depending upon your specific diagnosis and condition and include standard invasive procedures, as well as less invasive, laser treatments. TURP, transurethral resection of the prostate, is a common standard procedure in which a surgeon removes all but the outer section of the prostate's tissue. In TUIP, transurethral incision of the prostate, the surgeon does not remove prostate tissue but instead makes a few small incisions in the prostate gland, allowing easier urination.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

• Medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are generally prescribed for very large prostates. These types of medications help shrink the prostate by preventing the hormonal changes responsible for prostate growth. Brand names include Proscar and Avodart, and may take months to show noticeable improvement of your symptoms. Side effects from these drugs -- which include impotence and retrograde ejaculation -- may affect your desire and ability to perform during sex.

Alpha Blockers

• Flomax is an alpha-blocker medication, designed to relax muscle fibers in the prostate and ease urination. Other alpha-blocker drugs are available for the same result, including the brand names Hytrin, Uroxatral and Rapaflo. These medications work quickly, and results are typically seen within a few days. A medication regimen of a combination of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors provides better results, as these two drugs together are more effective than either alone.