Are Flomax And Proscar Effective In Shrinking Prostate?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 9 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : last week I talked to a doctor about my enlarged prostate. and I forgot to ask a few more questions that have come to my mind. first I was diagnosed with a enlarged prostate 3 years ago. I have had the digital exam and psa test for20 years the psa tests always well below limits and doctor always pleased with results. anyway my doctor put me on Flomax and proscar last week to shrink prostate. how often does this work and also will taking Tylenol pm to help me sleep cause the prostate to enlarge more and will it have a affect on the Flomax and proscar meds. will taking saw palmetto along with the meds be ok. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Flomax and proscar should benefit. Others unlikely Detailed Answer: Welcome to the forum. I am ready to answer any number of questions and so you need not feel that you forgot to ask your doctor. You may place in front of me--- I am presenting some of the facts and it will help you understand better. 1. Flomax is meant to improve the flow of urine in the day time and help reduce night time frequency to sleep better. If the night time frequency is disturbing even after reducing the intake of oral fluids after sunset along with flomax, then it may have to be changed to silodosin (RAPAFLO), which is the latest in that group and works better. 2. Proscar has benefits only if the prostate gland volume is more than 40 grams on DRE or ultrasound scan. Otherwise it is not needed. 3. Saw palmetto is very popular but it has been proven that it is NO more effective than placebo for the treatment of BPH. 4. Diphenhydramine and paracetamol in tylenol pm is acceptable in BPH and has no interaction with flomax or proscar meds. I hope I have made you understand the various medicines that you are using. Wish you good health. Sincerely,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. G.Srinivasan (5 hours later)

does the proscar always work on reducing the size of the prostate. or is there a percentage of times it works on people. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: It does reduce prostate volume Detailed Answer: Welcome to the forum, It has been proven by studies that Proscar is known to improve urinary flow rate, gives symptomatic relief and reduces prostate volume after 2 years of treatment. Hope this helps, Truly

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad