Sympatholytics (alpha antagonists)

Question 1

Phentolamine

Answer 1

Non selective alpha antagonist
Reversible
It blocks both alpha1 and alpha2 adrenergic receptors–> vasodilation and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance
USES: management of hypertension, it can be used to reverse the effects of local anesthesia

Question 2

Prazosin

Answer 2

Alpha1 adrenergic antagonist
Primarily used to treat high blood pressure
It also improves urinary flow by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder and it is often used to reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Question 3

Doxazosin

Answer 3

Alpha1 antagonist
Primarily used to treat high blood pressure
It also improves urinary flow by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder and it is often used to reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Question 4

Tamsulozin

Answer 4

Alpha1 antagonist
Primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
It blocks alpha 1A adrenergic receptors which are primarily located in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck

Question 5

Urapidil

Answer 5

Antihypertensive medication
Primarily used to treat high blood pressure
It primarily blocks alpha1 leading to vasodilation
It has central actions that stimulate alpha2 receptors further contributing to antihypertensive effects by decreasing the sympathetic nervous system activity

Question 6

Carvedilol

Answer 6

Beta blocker effects:
*Membrane stabilizing effect (Na+ channel blocker)
*Less impairment of lipid profile (meaning its less likely to negatively effect blood lipid levels compared to other antihypertensive medications, particularly certain beta blockers
*Used in congestive heart failure

Question 7

Labetalol

Answer 7

It is a non selective BETA blocker but also it is an alpha1 blocker
It is used in hypertensive crisis and phaeochromocytoma (tumor that originates in the adrenal glands chromaffin cells which produce catecholamines such as E and NE)