What is "tamsulosin"

n. A particular kind of alpha-1a-selective alpha blocker.

Tamsulosin ( rINN) ( trade name Flomax) is an α adrenergic receptor antagonist used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tamsulosin was developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals (now part of Astellas Pharma) and was first marketed in 1996 as Flomax, and also under the name Omnic.

Tamsulosin is used in the treatment of difficult urination, a common symptom of enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin, and other medications in the class called alpha blockers, work by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate itself and make it easier to urinate.

The U.S. patent for Flomax expired in October 2009. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved generic Flomax in March 2010.