Alpha blocker

Alpha blocker

Alpha blockers (or adrenergic alpha-antagonists) are agents that act as antagonists of alpha adrenergic receptors. [MeshName|alpha-Adrenergic+Blockers]

Classification

They can be divided into two classes.
* Alpha-1 blockers - act at alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
* Alpha-2 blockers - act at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

When the term "alpha blocker" is used without further qualification, it sometimes refers to alpha-1 blockers, and sometimes refers to agents that act at both types of receptors.

The agents carvedilol and labetalol are alpha blockers and beta blockers.

Uses

Alpha blockers can be used in the treatment of several conditions, such as scleroderma. [cite web |url=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alpha-blockers/HI00055 |title=Alpha blockers - MayoClinic.com |format= |work= |accessdate=]

References


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • alpha blocker — alpha blocking, adj. Pharm. any of various substances that interfere with the action of the alpha receptors. Also, alpha blocker. Cf. beta blocker. * * * …   Universalium

  • alpha blocker — n. any of a class of drugs used to dilate the blood vessels by blocking the nerve impulses that normally excite the alpha receptors …   English World dictionary

  • alpha-blocker — noun any of various drugs that block alpha adrenergic receptors; used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia; relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder • Syn: ↑alpha blocker, ↑alpha adrenergic blocker, ↑alpha adrenergic blocking agent •… …   Useful english dictionary

  • alpha blocker — noun any of various drugs that block alpha adrenergic receptors; used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia; relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder • Syn: ↑alpha blocker, ↑alpha adrenergic blocker, ↑alpha adrenergic blocking agent •… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Alpha-Blocker — Als Alphablocker bezeichnet man in der Pharmakologie Arzneistoffe, die als Antagonisten an α1 und an α2 Adrenozeptoren die Wirkung von Adrenalin und Noradrenalin aufheben. Sie werden therapeutisch zur Senkung erhöhten Blutdrucks (α1… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • alpha blocker — (alpha adrenergic blocker) a drug that prevents the stimulation of alpha adrenergic receptors at the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system by noradrenaline and adrenaline: it therefore causes widening of arteries (vasodilatation) and a… …   Medical dictionary

  • alpha blocker — alpha adrenergic blocker a drug that prevents the stimulation of alpha adrenoceptors at the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system by noradrenaline and adrenaline: it therefore causes relaxation of smooth muscle, including widening of… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • alpha-blocker — SYN: α adrenergic blocking agent. * * * al·pha block·er .bläk ər n any of a group of drugs (as phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine) that combine with and block the activity of an alpha receptor and that are used esp. to treat hypertension compare… …   Medical dictionary

  • alpha-blocker — al·pha block·er (ălʹfə blŏk ər) n. A drug that opposes the excitatory effects of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve endings at alpha receptors and that causes vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. Also called alpha adrenergic …   Universalium

  • Alpha-Blocker — Ạl|pha Blo|cker [eng. block = versperren, blockieren]: ↑ Alpha Rezeptor …   Universal-Lexikon

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