Medicines for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

About Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that is very common in men over 50. It presses on the urine tube.

Symptoms include a weak stream, difficulty starting, needing to pass urine often, especially at night, and a feeling that the bladder is not empty.

Medicines used for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Alpha blockers such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin and silodosin relax the prostate and improve flow within days. Finasteride and dutasteride shrink the prostate over several months and are often combined with tamsulosin. Tadalafil is also used for urinary symptoms of BPH.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor about urinary symptoms so that prostate cancer and other causes can be checked. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine at all, or have blood in the urine, fever or back pain.

This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.