Heart and blood pressure
Alpha blockers
Used for
Enlarged prostate (BPH); some lower blood pressure
How it works
Relax the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder opening so urine flows more easily. Some also relax blood vessels.
Watch for
Dizziness when standing up, especially with the first doses.
- Name clue
- -osin
- Examples
- tamsulosin (Flomax)
- doxazosin (Cardura)
- terazosin
More in heart and blood pressure
- ACE inhibitorsHigh blood pressure, heart failure
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)High blood pressure, heart failure
- ARB + neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)Heart failure
- Beta blockersHigh blood pressure, fast heart rate, chest pain
- Calcium channel blockersHigh blood pressure, chest pain
- Thiazide diureticsHigh blood pressure, mild swelling
- Loop diureticsFluid buildup (edema), heart failure
- Potassium-sparing diureticsHeart failure, blood pressure, fluid
- NitratesChest pain (angina)
- Cardiac glycosidesHeart failure, atrial fibrillation
- AntiarrhythmicsIrregular heart rhythms
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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