Tamsulosin is an alpha-1A and alpha-1B adrenergic receptor antagonist used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, ureteral stones, prostatitis, and female voiding dysfunction. Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1A and alpha-1B adrenoceptor antagonist that exerts its greatest effect in the prostate and bladder, where these receptors are most common.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
Tamsulosin is a blocker of alpha-1A and alpha-1D adrenoceptors. About 70% of the alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the prostate are of the alpha-1A subtype. By blocking these adrenoceptors, smooth muscle in the prostate is relaxed and urinary flow is improved. The blocking of alpha-1D adrenoceptors relaxes the detrusor muscles of the bladder which prevents storage symptoms. The specificity of tamsulosin focuses the effects to the target area while minimizing effects in other areas.
- Primary indication
- Tamsulosin is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C20H28N2O5S · 408.512 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1997
- Code names
- HGP-0412 · HIP-1402 · LY 253351 · Y 617 · YM 12617-1 · YM-617
- Brand names
Resolves to
DRHKJLXJIQTDTD-OAHLLOKOSA-NSMILESCCOC1=CC=CC=C1OCCN[C@H](C)CC1=CC(=C(OC)C=C1)S(N)(=O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 19, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Tamsulosin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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