naftopidil

Naftopidil is a selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist (alpha blocker) primarily used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It acts by selectively blocking α1 receptors, particularly showing higher affinity for the α1D-adrenergic receptor subtype compared to the α1A subtype. This blockade relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate gland and urethra, reducing urethral pressure and improving urination disorders related to prostatic enlargement. Naftopidil may also improve detrusor overactivity through its action on nonprostatic organs. The drug was first approved in Japan in 1996 and has since been approved for use in South Korea and China[2][7][8]. It is classified as a small molecule pharmaceutical.

Brand names

FlivasNaftomaxNafodil

Other names

naftopidilumNaftopidil [INN]1-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propan-2-ol