T.U.R.P. Medicines
and Prostate Health Products

Below are some of the common medicines that are prescribed for patients who have had T.U.R.P., and also over-the-counter products that have been reported to help the prostate functions and overall health.

B&O Suppository (Belladonna and Opium)
This medication has the dual purpose of dealing with pain and the ureteral/bladder spasm's that accompany the TURP recovery period. This is obviously a strong drug so use as prescribed. If your rectum becomes too sore or eventually spasm's you may want to request an oral drug like Detrol for awhile.

Bulk-Forming Laxative(over-the-counter)
Because of the trauma of the operation and the large quantities of liquids you will be drinking, you may need some form of laxative to promote normal bowel moments, such as a natural bulk-forming one.

Cipro
Is for treatment of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women.  It is also prescribed for severe sinus or bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, inhalational anthrax, infections of the prostate gland, and some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.

Compazine
For nausea or vomiting.

Dalmane
For problems with sleeping at home.

Detrol
For the same purpose as B&O only not as strong. There maybe wide variations in the effectiveness and response different patients have with this drug. If you find that the drug is not helping you control the involuntary bladder contractions, then contact your physician.

 Flomax
Selectively blocks alpha-receptors in the prostate, leading to relaxation of smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, improving urine flow and reduction in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Ibuprofen
An anti-infalmmatory that may help with spasms and relax the bladder muscle.

Macrobid
This is an antibiotic that helps prevent urinary tract infections from occurring.

Oxycodone/APAP or Percocet
Some of the many possible pain killers you maybe given.

Proscar (Finasteride, Propecia)
Can reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).   Initial studies show it may also reduce the occurance of general prostate cancer, however these studies also show a greater diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer for the same patients.   Future clinical trials may help resolve this irony.   Has also been used to slow the loss of hair.

Pyridium
For symptomatic relief from pain, burning, urgency, frequency and other discomfort of the urinary tract

Pyridium Plus
For symptomatic relief from pain, burning, urgency, frequency and other discomfort of the urinary tract. A hypnotic and sedative.

Products for Prostate Health

Zinc
Even doctors sometimes suggest taking this to aid the functions and health of the prostate. This mineral also plays an important role in prostate health. Like the drug Proscar, Zinc inhibits 5-alpha-reductase. It also decreases prolactin secretion and protects against heavy metals such as cadmium (from car exhaust)--both of which contribute to BPH.

Saw-Palmetto
Reported to also aid the functions and health of the prostate. Studies indicate a success rate of 80-90% in the BPH patients tested. Unlike some conventional drugs, Saw palmetto does not cause impotence and shows no significant side effects (Clinical studies show have shown remarkable results when 320mg. of Saw palmetto was taken daily for 30 days). Native Americans used saw palmetto berries to treat urinary tract disturbances. A number of recent European clinical studies have demonstrated that standardized fat soluble extracts of the berry help increase urinary flow and relieve other urinary problems associated with BPH.

Garlic
Provides the body with vitamins and minerals and may provide a normalizing effect on the prostate.

Stinging Nettles
This herb (weed?) may be more widely used in Europe than Saw Palmetto to treat similar urinary problems. (Webmaster: I find this one interesting because of all the times I suffered the sting of this plant in the forests of Washington State).

Pumpkin seed oil
Contains high levels of zinc (above), proven to be helpful for most prostate problems. Eating ¼ to ½ cup of raw pumpkin seeds each day has long been a folk remedy for BPH, but now German health authorities have recognized pumpkin seeds as a legitimate treatment. Like Saw Palmetto, the active compounds in Pumpkin Seeds are thought to be related to the fat-soluble constituents that naturally occur in the seed’s oil.

Pygeum
The bark of the Pygeum africanus tree has been used for centuries in Europe to treat urinary problems. In France, 81% of doctors prescriptions for BPH are for Pygeum. Clinical studies have shown Pygeum causes no side effects. (see References page for more info)

EFA
Omega-3 fatty acids found in Arctic fish oils and omega-6 fatty acids found in primrose, sunflower, linseed and borage oils produce prostaglandins necessary for prostate health and the inhibition of inflammation.

Aamine, Glycineand Glutamic acids
These three amino acids also have been used to treat urinary difficulties.

St. Johns Wart
Made from a flower, this is reported to be effective for mild depression, such as the kind expected in post-op patients.

          Website with extended information of medications, including potential interactions: Drug Digest

This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment of prostate problems. If you suspect prostate problems, contact your health care provider.
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