Alpha 1 agonists Because of their properties as vasoconstrictive agents they are used to reduce edema and inflammation.

Common decongestant drugs include naphazoline, phenylephrine and propylhexedrine. Alpha 1 antagonists These drugs act by causing vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, therefore they are used in the treatment of hypertension (prazosin). Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is another clinical use of alpha 1 antagonists: tamsulosin is a subtype-selective alpha 1A receptor that has more specificity toward smooth muscle in genitourinary tract; thus tamsulosin has lower incidence of orthostatic hypotension. Alpha 2 agonists By activating central alpha 2 receptors, alpha 2 adrenergic agonists inhibit sympathetic outflow from CNS. Clonidine is used for the rteatment of hypertension and symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. Alpha-methyldopa is a precursor to the alpha 2 agonist alpha-methylnorepinephrine, it is the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy. Alpha 2 antagonists Yohimbine blockade of alpha 2 receptors leads to increased release of norepinephrine with susequent stimulation of cardiac beta 1 receptors and peripheral vasculature alpha 1 receptors. Yohimbine was used in the past to treat erectile dysfunction. References and further reading Golan, David E (editor). Principles of Pharmacology: The Pathophysiologic Basis of Drug Therapy, 2nd edition. LWW: 2008. Katzung, B. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 10th Edition. Mc Graw Hill Medical: 2007 Harvey, Richard; Champe, Pamela (series editors). Lippincott illustrated reviews: Pharmacology, 4th edition. LWW: 2009 Written By:Flavio Guzmn, MD Last updated: November 22, 2010. Read related articles about: Antihypertensives, Autonomic Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Previous Post Next Post