alpha blockers

Question 1

what are alpha blockers

Answer 1

alpha blockers are a type of blood pressure medication. They lower blood pressure by preventing a hormone called norepinephrine from tightening the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins. As a result, the blood vessels remain open and relaxed. This improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure

Question 2

main uses of alpha blockers

Answer 2

The alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists (also called alpha-blockers) are a family of agents that bind to and inhibit type 1 alpha-adrenergic receptors and thus inhibit smooth muscle contraction. Their major uses are for hypertension and for symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Raynaud disease

Question 3

side effects of alpha blockers

Answer 3

a sudden drop in blood pressure when you go from lying or sitting down to standing up (postural hypotension)
headaches.
nausea.
dizziness.
drowsiness, tiredness, weakness or feeling lethargic.
swollen legs or ankles.
sleep disturbance.
tremor.

Question 4

examples of alpha blockers

Answer 4

Alpha blockers are a class of adrenergic blockers that work by antagonizing alpha adrenoceptors in the body. Examples include Cardura, Cardura XL (doxazosin), Minipress (prazosin), terazosin, Flomax (tamsulosin), Uroxatral (alfuzosin ER) , Rapaflo (silodosin), and Dibenzyline (phenoxybenzamine)

Question 5

What is the first-line of treatment for hypertension and a male with BPH?

Answer 5

The presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a compelling indication for the use of an alpha blocker in the treatment of hypertension. Alpha blockers are first-line therapy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostatic hyperplasia.

Alpha blockers are recommended as first-line treatment for BPH, except for prazosin (Minipress) and phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline), which lack data to support their use and, therefore, are not recommended. The 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are only recommended in men with documented prostate enlargement

so something like doxazosin

Question 6

frist line for Raynaud syndroem and then what pharmacological choice after that

Answer 6

For primary Raynaud phenomenon, the first line of therapy consists of lifestyle measures, such as avoidance of precipitating factors and use of gloves. If these prove inadequate, the patient may be considered for calcium channel blocker treatment;
nifedipine is the usual choice.

Question 7

when would an alpha blocker be used in hypertension

Answer 7

When alpha blockers are used

Instead, they’re used in combination with other drugs, such as diuretics, when high blood pressure is difficult to control. In addition to high blood pressure, doctors prescribe alpha blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).