Alpha blockers
Alpha blockers
Alpha blockers (pronunciation: /ˈælfə ˈblɒkərz/), also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonists or alpha-adrenergic blockers, are a class of medicinal drugs that are primarily used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Etymology
The term "alpha blocker" is derived from the type of receptor they act upon, the alpha-adrenergic receptor, and the action they perform, which is blocking or antagonizing the receptor.
Usage
Alpha blockers work by blocking the action of certain nerve impulses. This helps to relax and widen blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. They are often used in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and can also be used to treat conditions such as heart failure.
In the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, alpha blockers help to relax the muscles in the prostate and the bladder neck, allowing easier urination.
Types of Alpha Blockers
There are two types of alpha blockers: non-selective and selective. Non-selective alpha blockers, such as phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine, can block both alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors. Selective alpha blockers, such as doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin, specifically target alpha-1 receptors.
Side Effects
Common side effects of alpha blockers include dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Less common side effects can include a rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure when standing up, and weakness.
Related Terms
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha blockers
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha blockers
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski