Prostate Enlargement/BPH Health Center

Medicines to Avoid if You Have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Some medicines can make urination difficult.

• Avoid nonprescription antihistamines, decongestants (including nasal sprays), and allergy pills.
• Avoid prescription medicines such as antidepressants, water pills (diuretics), and pain medicines (narcotics).
• Avoid testosterone, including gels, implants, or injections.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of the medicines, supplements, or herbs you are taking. If urinary retention is listed as a side effect, ask your doctor whether there are other medicines you can take that do not have this side effect.