ALPHA BLOCKER

Question 1

ALPHA BLOCKER - Examples

Answer 1

Doxazosin
Terazosin
Tamsulosin
Alfuzosin

note: ends in osin

Question 2

ALPHA BLOCKER - indication

Answer 2

Resistant hypertension - when other tx does not work

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Question 3

ALPHA BLOCKER - MOA

Answer 3

Highly selective for a1 adrenoreceptors (blood vessel and urinary tracts smooth muscle).

Binding of alpha blockers prevents stimulation of A1 adrenoreceptors and subsequent vasoconstriction.

A1 blockers = relaxation
→ Vasodilatation = decreased BP
→ Reduced resistance to bladder outflow

Question 4

ALPHA BLOCKER - adverse effects (and what is important to mention to the patient about these effects and how to avoid/minimise them)

Answer 4

→Postural hypotension

→Dizziness

→Syncope

Note: these effects are especially likely on the first dose
To avoid pronounced first-dose hypotension omit doses of other anti-hypertensive medication (especially beta blockers!) on the day the alpha blocker is started

Question 5

ALPHA BLOCKER - contraindications

Answer 5

Alpha blockers should NOT be used in patients with existing postural hypotension

Question 6

ALPHA BLOCKER - interactions

Answer 6

• Anti-hypertensives doses should be omitted on the first day of starting alpha blockers to avoid first-dose hypotension

ESPECIALLY BETA BLOCKERS