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Alpha blockers are not the preferred drug class in the treatment of hypertension. The drug is often used in combination with the preferred drug classes when the patient's blood pressure is not controlled.
1. What are alpha blockers?
Alpha blockers inhibit the release of noradrenaline at nerve endings, helping to dilate both arteries and veins thereby reducing peripheral resistance, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. The advantage of alpha blockers is that they slightly increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL- considered good cholesterol) levels and slightly lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL- considered bad cholesterol) levels. Therefore, the drug is especially beneficial in cases of patients with hypertension accompanied by hyperlipidemia. Besides, the drug also has the effect of lowering blood sugar, so it is suitable for people with diabetes and insulin resistance. In addition to lowering blood pressure, alpha blockers also relax other muscles throughout the body, so the drug is also indicated in cases of urinary retention in older men with prostate problems.
In the group of alpha blockers, there are drugs that act quickly but don't last long, there are drugs that have a slow onset of action but have a longer effect. Depending on the patient's health condition, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate drug. Some commonly used alpha blockers are: Doxazosin, Prazosin, Terazosin,...
Bệnh nhân bị tăng huyết áp được kê đơn uống thuốc chẹn alpha
2. When are alpha blockers used?
Alpha blockers are not the preferred class of drugs in the treatment of blood pressure. They are often used after preferred drug classes fail, or in combination with preferred drug classes (eg, diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, drugs). angiotensin receptor blocker) in cases where the patient's blood pressure is difficult to control.
Alpha blockers are also indicated in benign prostatic hypertrophy to treat urinary tract obstruction. Alpha-blockers selectively antagonize the contractility of the prostate gland, the capsule of the prostate, the fundus of the bladder and the urethra; These contractions are mediated by alpha1-adrenergic receptors, so the drug reduces organ tone. Thereby reducing urethral pressure, reducing urinary resistance from the bladder, relieving urinary obstruction and transforming the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Alpha-blockers may be used in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy with hypertension or normal blood pressure.
3. Side effects of alpha-blocker antihypertensive drugs
A common side effect of alpha-blockers is orthostatic hypotension or syncope, especially after the first dose. To limit this risk, the starting dose is usually <1mg/day and taken at bedtime.
Some other side effects of alpha-blocker antihypertensive drugs are dizziness, headache, tachycardia, fatigue, somnolence, body weakness, loss of appetite, digestive disorders, bone and joint pain,. ..
Người uống thuốc chẹn alpha có thể xuất hiện dấu hiệu đau đầu
4. Precautions when taking alpha-blockers
To use alpha blockers safely, patients need to be especially careful:
Before using alpha blockers, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including those prescription and non-prescription. This is important, as alpha blockers can interact with other drugs to increase or decrease their effects. Use drugs as directed to limit side effects, especially the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Patients who do dangerous jobs such as driving or operating machinery should be especially careful because the drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness. When alpha-blockers are used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, the risk of cancer or other conditions with similar symptoms should be excluded. Alpha blockers are not the preferred drug class in the treatment of hypertension. The drug is often prescribed by doctors when combined with the preferred drug groups when the patient's blood pressure is not controlled. Accordingly, in order for the drug to work at its best, the patient must strictly follow the instructions of the doctor.
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Reference source: mayoclinic.org
