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Is Flomax a Beta Blocker?

Flomax (tamsulosin) is a medication designed to treat the effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It is not a beta blocker, but rather belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers.

  1. Alpha Blockers

    • Alpha blockers, also called alpha-adrenergic antagonists, achieve their effects by blocking the activity of the hormone norepinephrine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Normally, norepinephrine tightens the muscle walls of small veins and arteries, which in turn constricts blood flow.

    Flomax Effects

    • Drugs.com reports that Flomax also triggers the relaxation of muscles in the neck of the bladder and the prostate gland. This relaxation eases the flow of urine from the bladder.

    Other Alpha Blockers

    • The Mayo Clinic lists other common alpha blocker medications, including prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura) and terazosin (Hytrin).

    Considerations

    • Drugs.com notes that individuals taking Flomax should not take any other alpha blocker medication.

    Additional Considerations

    • Individuals taking Flomax or other alpha blockers should inform their doctors before taking beta blockers, erectile dysfunction medications or calcium channel blockers, reports the Mayo Clinic.

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