Tamsulosin is an active substance from the group of alpha-blockers used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and urethra. This increases urinary flow, improves voiding and storage symptoms. The effects occur rapidly. The most common adverse effect is dizziness. Occasionally, blood pressure may be lowered, which can lead to palpitations, weakness, and rarely to brief loss of consciousness. Cardiovascular side effects are reported to occur less frequently compared with other alpha-blockers.
Tamsulosin (ATC G04CA02) binds as a competitive antagonist to postsynaptic α1-adrenoceptors, thereby relaxing the smooth muscle of the prostate and urethra. This increases urinary flow and improves voiding and storage symptoms.
Due to its selectivity for the α1A receptor (urinary tract) over the α1B receptor (blood vessels), fewer cardiovascular side effects are expected compared with other alpha-blockers. The effects occur rapidly compared with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, within hours to days. Tamsulosin has no effect on the size of the prostate; it is effective only against symptoms.
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