Quote:
Originally Posted by johnep  Yesterday got a script for indoramin for a lady. First checked in BNF and it can be used for hypertension. Checked with lady and that was exactly what it was for.
OK you pharmacologists, what does an alpha blocker do exactly?
johnep |
Johnep,
I'm not a pharmacologist, but I'll take a stab. An alpha-blocker (not sure which generic this is offhand?) dilates the peripheral vasculature, thus leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. In terms of blood pressure reduction, this is how it works. It does not block the alpha receptors selectively and also targets the prostate, which is why it is used in men for this reason. There are several alpha-blockers on the market indicated for the treatment of HTN. None of these, however, are indicated (per HTN guidelines) as a first-line choice for this. Not even second or third line. This would also hold true for the British Society of HTN and European Society of HTN guidelines as well. It should ideally be used in cases where a patient is already on several agents for HTN and still uncontrolled (resistant HTN).