Best medications for an enlarged prostate: Types Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What are some of the best medications for an enlarged prostate Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Caitlin Geng on July 28, 2022An enlarged prostate is benign and usually results from abnormal cell growth. Pharmaceutical treatments include alpha-blockers, inhibitors, and combination medications. Share on PinterestJGI/Tom Grill/Getty ImagesThe prostate is a gland that produces fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate sits around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a noncancerous abnormal cell growth. Although the symptoms of BPH sometimes present similarly to those of prostate cancer, doctors do not link the two, and BPH does not increase a person’s chance of cancer. A doctor will help a person choose the appropriate treatment for BPH based on the severity of their symptoms and their overall health. In this article, we look at why a person may need medication for BPH, as well as the available types of medication and some alternative treatment options. Alpha blockers Alpha blockers are drugs that help relax the muscles close to the prostate. This relieves pressure and allows urine to flow more easily. Examples of alpha blockers include:tamsulosindoxazosinalfuzosinprazosinterazosin These types of alpha-blockers are called selective alpha-1 blockers. They treat BPH by causing the prostate’s smooth muscle to relax, allowing urine to flow freely through the urethra. Potential side effects Potential side effects of alpha blockers include:weaknessrapid heartbeat, or tachycardialow blood pressure, or hypotensiontremors To help avoid these adverse effects, doctors recommend that people take the medication at night. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors 5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the production of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone, which accumulates in the prostate and may cause the prostate to grow. Finasteride and dutasteride are examples of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These medications prevent the progression of prostate growth or, in some cases, actively shrink the prostate. Doctors generally prescribe 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for moderately enlarged prostates because they work more slowly than alpha blockers. Potential side effects Side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may include:decreased libidoerectile dysfunctiondecreased ejaculatory volumegrowth of breast tissue, or gynecomastialow blood pressureweaknessdizzinessdecreased fertility PDE5 inhibitors Doctors typically prescribe phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat erectile dysfunction. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lower urinary tract, which helps relieve symptoms of BPH. Some examples of PDE5 inhibitors are:sildenafil (Viagra)tadalafilvardenafil For penile erection, nerve impulses cause the production of nitric oxide, which diffuses into the smooth muscle cells and stimulates the formation of messenger molecules called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This elicits cellular activity. PDE5 inhibitors inhibit an enzyme called PDE5, which prevents the breakdown of cGMP. This allows the smooth muscle in the prostate to relax, promoting the dilation of penile arteries and the increase in blood flow necessary for a sustained erection. Potential side effects Side effects of PDE5 medications may include:flushing of the skinmild headachedyspepsia, or indigestionlow blood pressuredizzinessaltered color visionback painrhinitis, or blocked and stuffy nose Antimuscarinic drugs Doctors may also prescribe antimuscarinic drugs for BPH. Examples include: mirabegronoxybutyninsolifenacintolterodinedarifenacintrospiumfesoterodine Potential side effects Several side effects are associated with these drugs, including:dry mouthpruritus, or itchiness of the skinconstipationurination difficultiesnasopharyngitis, or the common colddizziness However, the most serious side effect of antimuscarinic drugs is acute urinary retention (AUR). According to some research, people who received antimuscarinic treatment for 1 month had a higher incidence of AUR than those who received long-term treatment. Research has also found that anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications may worsen BPH symptoms. The researchers associate anticholinergic drugs with a higher risk of urinary retention in people with BPH. Desmopressin Doctors typically prescribe desmopressin to treat symptoms of a type of diabetes insipidus, which causes the body to overproduce urine. The medication can help with nocturia, the frequent need to urinate during the night. Research associates nocturia with lower urinary tract symptoms in people with BPH. In BPH treatment, doctors may combine the medication with other treatments, such as alpha blockers. Potential side effects of desmopressin may include abnormal thinking and diarrhea. This medication may also cause potentially serious side effects such as:nausea and vomitingfatigueconfusionheadacheweight gainrestlessnessirritabilityslow reflexeshallucinationsseizuresmuscle weakness or spasmsloss of consciousness Combinations Combining two types of medication can be more effective for treating symptoms than one medication alone. The following medication combinations can be effective:alpha blockers and antimuscarinics, which help manage overactive bladderdutasteride (a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor) and tamsulosin (an alpha blocker)finasteride (a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor) and doxazosin (an alpha blocker) Do all people with BPH require medication A person may not need treatment for a mildly enlarged prostate that is not causing significant symptoms. In such cases, a person may need to visit a urologist for regular checkups and may need treatment only if the symptoms become problematic. If the symptoms of BPH begin to bother a person, a doctor may prescribe medication to shrink the prostate or stop its growth. This may reduce associated symptoms such as:difficulty when starting to urinatestraining to urinateweak flow of urinestop-start urinationfrequent or urgent urination night urinationurinary incontinence Other options Other treatments for BPH may include:minimally invasive proceduressurgerylifestyle changes Minimally invasive procedures Several minimally invasive procedures can widen the urethra to relieve blockages and tension or destroy enlarged prostate tissue. To perform these procedures, a doctor will insert a catheter or cytoscope through the urethra to reach the prostate. Types of procedures include:high intensity focused ultrasoundtransurethral needle ablationprostatic stent insertiontransurethral electrovaporizationtransurethral microwave thermotherapywater-induced thermotherapy Surgery A doctor may treat BPH with surgery. The surgery involves removing enlarged prostate tissue or making cuts in the prostate to widen the urethra. Doctors may use the following types of surgery to remove enlarged prostate tissue:laser surgerytransurethral resection of the prostate transurethral incision of the prostate open prostatectomy Read more about BPH surgery. Lifestyle changes A doctor may recommend that a person with BPH make some lifestyle adjustments to help them manage the condition. These may include:exercising the pelvic floor musclestraining the bladder to hold urine longerconsuming less liquid, especially before sleepreducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeineavoiding or monitoring medications such as:diureticsantidepressantsantihistaminesdecongestantstreating and preventing constipation Summary A doctor will help a person with BPH decide on the most appropriate treatment for the condition, depending on the severity of their condition, their overall health, and preferences. A person may require other treatments in addition to medication. Treatment may involve a minimally invasive procedure that a doctor performs through a catheter, surgery to remove tissue from the prostate, or lifestyle adjustments. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Prostate / Prostate Cancer 22 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.5-alpha reductase inhibitor information. (2016).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor-information#:~:text=5%2Dalpha%2Dreductase%20inhibitors%20are,dutasteride%20(marketed%20as%20Avodart)Anticholinergic drugs. (n.d.).https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Prescription-Medications/Anticholinergic-DrugsCarlson, A. B., et al. (2021). Physiology, cholinergic receptors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526134/Conditions InDepth: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (n.d.).https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=19145Conermann, T., et al. (2022). Carisoprodol.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553077/Desmopressin. (2018).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608010.htmlDhaliwal, A., et al. (2022). PDE5 inhibitors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/Dhaliwal, J. S., et al. (2022). Diazepam.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/Friebe, A., et al. 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(2014).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasiaSalisbury, B. H., et al. (2022). 5 alpha reductase inhibitors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555930/Symptoms: Benign prostate enlargement. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/symptoms/Taha, D.-E., et al. (2018). Oral desmopressin in nocturia with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review of the literature.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6277262/Understanding prostate changes: A health guide for men. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes#not-cancerValladales-Restrepo, L. F., et al. (2020). Potentially inappropriate prescriptions of anticholinergic drugs in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13685538.2019.1595572Yu, Z-J., et al. (2020). Efficacy and side effects of drugs commonly used for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00658/fullZaman Huri, H., et al. (2014). Drug-related problems in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A cross sectional retrospective study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3903504/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Caitlin Geng on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat are the treatment options for BPH?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. 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