Specific locations and functions of the α receptors. Image from Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by Bertram Katzung, et al.[1]
Alpha-blockers, also known as α-blockers or α-adrenoreceptor antagonists, are a class of pharmacological agents that act as antagonists on α-adrenergic receptors (α-adrenoceptors).[2]
Historically, alpha-blockers were used as a tool for pharmacologic research to develop a greater understanding of the autonomic nervous system. Using alpha blockers, scientists began characterizing arterial blood pressure and central vasomotor control in the autonomic nervous system.[3] Today, they can be used as clinical treatments for a limited number of diseases.[2]
Alpha blockers can treat a small range of diseases such as hypertension, Raynaud's disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction.[2] Generally speaking, these treatments function by binding an α-blocker to α receptors in the arteries and smooth muscle. Ultimately, depending on the type of alpha receptor, this relaxes the smooth muscle or blood vessels, which increases fluid flow in these entities.[2]
^Katzung, Bertram (1987). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Appleton & Lange. ISBN 9780838505533.
^ abcdKatzung, Bertram; Masters, Susan (2013). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Lange. ISBN 978-0-07-176402-5.
with some β activity. However, the most common type of alphablocker is usually an α1 blocker. Non-selective α-adrenergic receptor antagonists include:...
development of beta-3 blocker. Therefore, there is not much information regarding the toxic effect of beta-3 blocker. Alpha-1 blockers such as Alfuzosin,...
β-blocker-induced bronchospasm where it exerts greater efficacy on reversing selective β-blocker-induced bronchospasm than the nonselective β-blocker-induced...
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(e.g. spironolactone or furosemide), an alpha-blocker or a beta-blocker. Prior to the demotion of beta-blockers as first line agents, the UK sequence of...
non-selective alphablocker medications such as phenoxybenzamine are not recommended for control of BPH. Non-selective alphablockers such as terazosin...
are blocked too often, there will be an excess in calcium channel inhibition, which causes most of these problems. Adrenergic receptor Alphablocker Beta...
when the term "alphablocker" is used without qualification, it refers to a selective alpha-1 antagonist. Selective alpha-1 blockers have a variety of...
intravenous racemic mixture of labetalol, a non-selective β blocker and selective α1 blocker is recommended for treating concomitant hypertension and tachycardia...
with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tamsulosin is a selective alphablocker that works by relaxing the bladder and prostatic smooth muscle. As such...
antagonist of the α1-adrenergic receptor, and hence is additionally an alphablocker. The antagonism of the adrenergic receptors by labetalol is competitive...
Mad BlockerAlpha (also known as Mad BlockerAlpha: Revenge of the Fluzzle's or MBA) is a puzzle game for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 in...
clinical uses. Butoxamine, an example of a beta 2 blocker, is only used in research. Alpha 1 blockers prevent smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting the...
Tamsulosin is an alphablocker and works by relaxing muscles in the prostate. Specifically it is an α1 adrenergic receptor blocker. Tamsulosin was approved...
proteins. They are sometimes called blockers; examples include alphablockers, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. In pharmacology, antagonists have...
longer term, treatment depends on the cause. BPH may respond to alphablocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy, or surgically with prostatectomy...
including alpha adrenergic blockers (such as tamsulosin) and calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine), may be effective. Alpha-blockers likely result...
nightmares related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is an α1 blocker. It is a less preferred treatment of high blood pressure. Other uses may...
those with liver problems. Carvedilol is a nonselective beta blocker and alpha-1 blocker. How it improves outcomes is not entirely clear but may involve...
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