α-adrenergetic receptor antagonist

α1-receptor blockers

α1-receptor blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin) are useful to improve relaxation of the smooth muscle cells of the bladder neck. The site of action of these α1-receptor blockers is the α-receptors, which are found in the muscle in the prostate gland. Alfuzosin blocks α-receptors in the muscle of the prostate gland, which causes the muscle in the prostate to relax.

This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary retention symptoms. α-receptors are also localized in the urethra. Thus, the α-blockers also diminish the outflow resistance. Adverse effects of α-blockers are weakness, dizziness (due to hypotension), and GI problems.

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α1 adrenoreceptor antagonists can be useful for the treatment of