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dutasteride/tamsulosin vs tamsulosin

Side-by-side comparison of dutasteride/tamsulosin and tamsulosin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

moderate Known Drug Interaction

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS There have been no drug interaction trials using dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules. Because of the potential for drug-drug interactions, use caution when prescribing a dutasteride-containing product, including dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, to patients taking potent, chronic CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Tamsulosin Strong and Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6: Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6.

Recommendation: Do not take extra tamsulosin if your combination pill already contains it.

Drug Class
dutasteride/tamsulosin 5-ARI / Alpha-Blocker Combination
tamsulosin Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker
Type
dutasteride/tamsulosin Prescription
tamsulosin Prescription
Summary
dutasteride/tamsulosin

This medicine combines two drugs to treat enlarged prostate in men. It helps improve urine flow and reduce symptoms.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin (Flomax) helps to improve urination in men with enlarged prostate glands. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate.

What It Treats
dutasteride/tamsulosin

This medicine treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, in men. It helps to relieve symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and weak urine stream. This medicine is not approved to prevent prostate cancer.

tamsulosin

This medicine treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can cause problems with urination, like difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine. Tamsulosin helps to relieve these symptoms.

How It Works
dutasteride/tamsulosin

This medicine contains two drugs that work in different ways. Dutasteride lowers a hormone called DHT that causes the prostate to grow. Tamsulosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin blocks alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the prostate and bladder. These receptors control muscle tightness. By blocking them, tamsulosin relaxes the muscles, which improves urine flow.

Common Side Effects
dutasteride/tamsulosin
  • Problems with ejaculation
  • Impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Dizziness
  • Breast enlargement or tenderness
tamsulosin
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Runny nose
  • Infection
  • Abnormal ejaculation
FAERS Reports
dutasteride/tamsulosin
  • Shortness of breath 1,233
  • Tiredness 1,142
  • Feeling lightheaded or unsteady 986
  • Weakness 933
  • Loose stools 897
tamsulosin
  • Tiredness 1,417
  • Shortness of breath 1,332
  • Feeling lightheaded 1,131
  • Loose stools 1,121
  • Head pain 883
Serious Warnings
dutasteride/tamsulosin

This medicine can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when you stand up. Be careful to avoid falls or injuries. Do not take this medicine with other alpha-blockers, as it can lower your blood pressure too much. This medicine can affect your PSA levels, which are used to screen for prostate cancer, so tell your doctor you are taking this medicine. Pregnant women should not handle this medicine, as it can harm a male fetus.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up, leading to dizziness or fainting. Avoid situations where you could get hurt if you faint. Tell your eye doctor if you are planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, as tamsulosin can cause complications during the procedure. You should be screened for prostate cancer before starting tamsulosin and regularly after.

Pregnancy
dutasteride/tamsulosin

This medicine is not for women. It can harm a male fetus if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. Pregnant women should not handle this medicine.

tamsulosin

This medicine is only for men. It is not meant to be used by women. There is no information about the safety of tamsulosin during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it is not used in women.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

Compare tamsulosin with

How to Read This dutasteride/tamsulosin vs tamsulosin Comparison

dutasteride/tamsulosin is classified in the 5-ARI / Alpha-Blocker Combination drug class, while tamsulosin sits within the Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, dutasteride/tamsulosin has 5,191 submissions while tamsulosin has 5,884. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to taking both of these means you are taking the same medicine twice, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too low or cause other side effects.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between dutasteride/tamsulosin and tamsulosin - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.