Alpha blockers: What They Do, Medicines
Alpha blockers are prescription medicines that relax muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. They are used to ease urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin is an example. They can cause dizziness on standing, so they should be started and stopped only on a doctor's advice.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Alpha blockers work?
They block alpha-1 receptors on smooth muscle in the prostate and the bladder outlet. The muscle relaxes, so urine can pass more easily.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Alpha blockers. They are listed A to Z.
- Tamsulosin: Tamsulosin is a prescription medicine that eases urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate.
Common questions
Do alpha blockers shrink the prostate?
No. They relax the muscle so urine flows more easily, but they do not make the prostate smaller. A different group of medicines, the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, can reduce prostate size over months. A doctor chooses between them or combines them.
Why do they cause dizziness?
They also relax blood vessels, so blood pressure can drop when you stand up. Rise slowly and sit or lie down if you feel faint. Tell your doctor if dizziness is frequent or you faint.
Sources
- Tamsulosin. NHS (UK)
- Flomax (tamsulosin) capsules: label. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine