Tamsulosin (Flomax) is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, also known as benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is also used to treat patients with kidney stones caught up in the ureter because it helps relax the smooth muscle of the ureter and pass the stone.
Benign prostate enlargement is an issue that can affect men as they get older. Below the bladder is where the prostate gland is found. Certain muscles in the prostate gland may become tight as it grows larger, obstructing the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can lead to urination issues, such as the desire to urinate frequently, a weak stream when urinating, or the feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder.
The BPH treatment Tamsulosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine or decrease the symptoms. However, tamsulosin will not shrink the prostate and the prostate may continue to get larger, potentially causing symptoms to worsen over time. Therefore, even though tamsulosin may lessen the problems caused by enlarged prostate now, surgery still may be needed in the future.