An enlarged prostate gland, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, refers to a common condition affecting men. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure that surrounds a man's urethra (tube where urine exits). According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, bloody urine and a urinary tract infection. There are numerous medications to treat prostate enlargement.
Alpha Blockers
According to the Mayo Clinic, alpha blockers such as terazosin, doxazosin and tamsulosin are approved medications to treat an enlarged prostate. These medications relax your bladder muscles and allow you to urinate with less difficulty. Oftentimes, this medication can work within 1 to 2 days. Dizziness, lightheadedness and eye problems during surgery are some side effects of alpha blockers. Avoid using alpha blockers with such medications as Sildenafil because low blood pressure (hypotension) can result. Tell your doctor about the current medications you are taking and she can determine whether they interact with your alpha blocker medications.
Finasteride and Dutasteride
MedlinePlus says that finasteride and dutasteride treat an enlarged prostate in various ways. It can help to reduce the size of your prostate gland, lower certain hormones made in your prostate and increase urination. Unlike alpha blockers, these medications may take three to six months to work. Side effects of finasteride and dutasteride include erectile dysfunction (impotence) and decreased libido (sex drive). Other side effects include headaches, drowsiness and swelling of your extremities.
Combination Therapies
According to the Mayo Clinic, it may be beneficial to combine alpha blockers with finasteride or dutasteride. This may improve your symptoms and even prevent the need for surgery. The Mayo Clinic says that doxazosin and finasteride are the most commonly known combinations but other combinations are still as beneficial. Talk to your doctor to find out whether combination therapies are best for your enlarged prostate.
Antibiotics
MedlinePlus states that chronic prostatitis (condition where your prostate is inflamed) usually accompanies an enlarged prostate. Therefore, antibiotic treatments can quell the inflammation and reduce your enlarged prostate symptoms.
A wide variety of antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin treat prostatitis and therefore, an enlarged prostate. Typically, your doctor will use this medication when you simultaneously suffer from both conditions. She will not prescribe these antibiotics solely for an enlarged prostate. Some side effects of these antibiotics may include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
