Medicines known as alpha-blockers are used to control and treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. These drugs are used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate in addition to assisting in the reduction of blood pressure. Alpha-blockers, commonly known as alpha-adrenergic blockers, function by stopping the hormone norepinephrine from contracting the vein and artery walls’ smooth muscle. As a result, blood arteries stay loose and open, increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Drugs called alpha-blockers are also used to relax the muscles in the urinary tract, which may hasten the passage of a stone into the bladder. However, those using alpha-blockers for kidney stones may have unintended side effects.
Alpha-blockers fall into three categories:
- Phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine are examples of nonselective alpha-blockers (alpha 1 and alpha 2). The FDA has approved both medications for use in individuals with pheochromocytoma, a particular kind of tumor. Both are employed to control hypertensive crises that arise during tumor excision procedures. On the other hand, phentolamine is sometimes used to alleviate cardiovascular issues brought on by cocaine. It is not, however, the recommended treatment for this illness.
- specific Alpha-1 inhibitors: Tamsulosin, alfuzosin, prazosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin are some of these medications. These medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia have FDA approval. Essential hypertension can also be treated with these alpha-blocker medications. They are not, however, usually used as first-line therapies for hypertension.
3) Alpha-2 blockers that are selective: Yohimbine and dioxin are examples of alpha 2 antagonists. Yohimbine is used to treat male sexual dysfunction, while the FDA has not yet approved the medication and its efficacy is unknown.
Mode of action of Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blockers prevent the body’s alpha receptors, which are found on the cells of particular organs or regions. These receptors tell cells when to contract, tighten, or squeeze. certain cells maintain their relaxation by preventing the activity of certain receptors. Keeping those cells flexible decreases blood pressure since many of them line your blood arteries.
Side effects Â
When you begin using alpha-antagonist medications, you may have dizziness or low blood pressure, which might cause you to pass out when sitting or lying down. For this reason, taking the first dose at bedtime is common. Other adverse effects of alpha-blockers include a racing heartbeat, headache, weakness, and dizziness.
Tell your doctor about all of your medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and erection dysfunction medications, before starting an alpha antagonist regimen. The effects of other medications you take may be increased or decreased by alpha-blockers. The overall cholesterol can be improved by these drugs as well. On the other hand, research indicates that prolonged use of specific alpha-blockers may raise the chance of heart failure.
Contraindications
People who are allergic to alpha blockers or any of the component formulations should not use alpha-blockers. When administering alpha-blockers to older individuals with hypertension or those who have had prior cataract surgery, caution should be exercised. These medications have the potential to cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery. There are more contraindications for non-selective alpha-blockers.
If the patient has respiratory illness, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or renal insufficiency, these medications should be used with caution. Long-term use of alpha-blocker medicines is not recommended. Phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine are examples of non-selective alpha-blockers that shouldn’t be taken when nursing.
When given during the procedure to remove the tumor, blood pressure and heart rate must be monitored due to the possibility of hypotension (low blood pressure). It takes extra attention and coordination between medical professionals to prevent medication adverse effects in the elderly.
What interactions can alpha-blockers have with other medications?
Alcohol, citrus drinks, and other meals may also interfere with certain alpha-antagonist medications. These medications can interact with many other medications since they directly affect your circulatory system, which affects your entire body. The best person to tell you how alpha 2 antagonists are likely to affect you personally is your healthcare specialist, as individual differences in effects may occur.
For what duration may you take alpha blockers?
Depending on the drug and ailment being treated, you may take alpha-blockers. For short-term use, non-selective alpha-blockers are identified. For ailments such as hypertension and enlarged prostate, alpha medications are frequently taken for an extended period of time. Your physician will advise you of your alternatives and determine which is best.
The bottom line
Prescription drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blockers lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality for those who suffer from chronic nightmares. Though they aren’t always the greatest option, they can be very effective in some situations. Talk to your doctor about your worries if they advise you to use an alpha blocker.
