Any of a class of drugs used to dilate the blood vessels by blocking the nerve impulses that normally excite the alpha receptors.
Alpha-adrenergic blockers
Brand/Generic Drug Names
Regitine/phentolamine, Dibenzyline/phenoxybenzamine, Cardura/doxazosin, Minipress/prazosin hydrochloride, Hytrin/terazosin hydrochloride
moderate to severe essential hypertension, pheochromocytoma, prevention of tissue necrosis and sloughing after extravasation of IV vasopressors
bind to alpha-adrenergic receptors causing peripheral vasodilation; lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral resistance
allergies, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease
gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, hepatic disease, renal failure
antagonizes vasoconstrictive/hypertensive effects of epinephrine, increased antihypertensive effect of blood pressure medications
hypotension, tachycardia, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, impotence, priapism, blurred vision, weakness
Assess sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide Daily weights, intake and output Tilts before initiating treatment, every 4 hours thereafter Skin turgor, mucous membranes for hydration status Administer with food or milk to prevent gastrointestinal side effects Monitor for palpitations/fainting Assess therapeutic response: decreased blood pressure, increased peripheral pulses
August 05, 2002
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