Vasoconstrictor

Vasoconstrictor drugs

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.

α1 adrenergic agonists and drugs that release noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerve terminals or inhibit its reuptake cause vasoconstriction. Some eicosanoids like thromboxane A and several peptides like endothelin, angiotensin and vasopressin are also predominantly vasoconstrictors.

Clinical uses of vasoconstrictors

Clinical uses of vasoconstrictor drugs include-

  1. Nasal decongestion
  2. Co-administration with local anesthetics
  3. Vasopressin may be used to stop bleeding from oesophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension caused by liver diseases
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