Combining flomax and cialis can effectively treat urinary symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction

This study examined whether combining tadalafil (Cialis) and tamsulosin (Flomax) can reduce both urinary symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction. This treatment combination was safe and effective in reducing urinary symptoms and improving erectile function.

Many men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) experience both urinary symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction. One report found that 72.2% of men with urinary symptoms due to BPH also had erectile dysfunction. Only 37.7% had urinary symptoms without some form of erectile dysfunction.

Tamsulosin is a type of alpha-blocker commonly prescribed for urinary symptoms. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Tadalafil is a type of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor developed for erectile dysfunction. It increases blood flow to the penis and it also helps to relax muscle cells in the bladder and prostate. Both tamsulosin alone and tadalafil alone are commonly used to treat each condition separately. Whether they are safe and effective when combined is still under investigation.

This study included 510 men with BPH. All men reported urinary symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction. Men were randomly assigned to treatment groups. 153 men were treated with high-dose tamsulosin (0.4 mg) plus tadalafil (5 mg). 164 men were treated with low-dose tamsulosin (0.2 mg) plus tadalafil (5 mg). 162 men were treated with tadalafil alone (5 mg). Treatment outcomes were compared between groups at 12 weeks.

Men treated with the 0.4/5 mg combination showed significantly better improvements in urinary symptoms compared to men treated with tadalafil alone. Both groups improved erectile function. The change in urinary symptoms among men treated with the 0.2/5 mg combination was not superior when compared to tadalafil alone.

No significant difference in the rate of side effects was observed between groups. 14.11% of men treated with the 0.4/5 mg combination reported side effects. It was 8.43% among men treated with the 0.2/5 mg combination and 5.85% in the group receiving tadalafil alone. Common side effects included headache, nasal congestion, and flushing. Only 0.6 and 1.8% of men reported serious side effects. 

This study concluded that the combination of 0.4 mg of tamsulosin and 5 mg of tadalafil reduced urinary symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction safely and effectively in men with BPH.