Used primarily in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this compound helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. This action improves urine flow and reduces symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent or urgent need to urinate. It is also used to facilitate the passage of kidney stones by relaxing smooth muscle in the ureter, helping stones pass more easily. The racemic form serves as an intermediate in the production of the active enantiomer used in final pharmaceutical formulations.