Common prostate drug is ineffective - Hytrin works better - Hytrin vs Proscar

A 'first dose' precipitous drop in blood pressure, with or without fainting can happen (usually within 30 to 90 minutes). Therapy should be started with no more than 1 mg/day for the first three days. Any dose increases thereafter must be very gradual and closely physician supervised. To people of any age taking this drug, The Essential Guide suggests calling your doctor if you also plan to take any over-the-counter remedies for allergic rhinitis or head cold medications. Serious adverse drug interactions are possible.

What You Can Do

-Urinary symptoms associated with BPH do not automatically require treatment and can sometimes be reduced by eliminating caffeine and restricting fluid intake following the evening meal.

-Avoid over-the-counter cold and sinus medications with decongestants because they can worsen a prostate problem.

-See page 6 for a mention of saw palmetto, a popular herbal remedy for BPH. A month's supply of saw palmetto is about $25. It is not clear whether saw pal- metto must be taken indefinitely as would be the case with Hytrin.

-Call the Agency for Health Care Policy Research at 1(800) 358-9295 and ask for a free copy of Treating Your Enlarged Prostate, Publication No. 94-0584. This 1994 pamphlet remains a good guide to treatment options including surgery, drugs, balloon dilation, and watchful waiting. Risks and benefits of each are listed.