Cialis Vs. Flomax: Drug Comparison

Cialis^® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.

Flomax^® (tamsulosin hydrochloride) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate and relieving symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently. Flomax is typically taken once daily, about 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Common side effects include dizziness, runny nose, and ejaculation problems. Flomax should be used with caution in patients with a history of low blood pressure.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) is indicated to treat:

• The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses)

• Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 0.4 mg capsules

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

• Headache

• Indigestion

• Back pain

• Muscle pain

• Nasal congestion

• Flushing

• Pain in limb

The most common adverse events (≥2% of patients and at a higher incidence than placebo) with the 0.4 mg dose or 0.8 mg dose were:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nasal congestion

• Infection

• Abnormal ejaculation

• Weakness

• Back pain

• Diarrhea

• Sore throat

• Chest pain

• Cough increased

• Somnolence

• Nausea

• Inflammation of the sinuses

• Insomnia

• Libido decreased

• Tooth disorder

• Blurred vision

• Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

• History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

• Contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any component of Flomax capsules

• Drug interactions: Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole), moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, PDE5 inhibitors

• Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure

• Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering

• If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

• Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

• Postural low blood pressure

• Should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. Use with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, with strong or moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6, in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, or in combination with other cytochrome P450 inhibitors

• Should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents

• Exercise caution with concomitant administration of warfarin

• Possibility of prolonged erection

• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome has been observed during cataract and glaucoma surgery in some patients

• Be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment and at regular intervals afterwards

*This information is from the label for brand name Cialis^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.

*This information is from the label for brand name Flomax^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tamsulosin, the active ingredient in Flomax, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tamsulosin.