Chapter 19 pharm

Mechanisms and Functions

• Beta blockers primarily act by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
• Propranolol, a nonselective beta blocker, is utilized for various conditions, including hypertension and anxiety.

Beta Blockers and Intraocular Pressure

• Timolol is a beta blocker used to treat elevated intraocular pressure and is administered topically as eye drops.

Alpha Blockers

• The primary purpose of alpha blockers is to inhibit alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and lower blood pressure.
• Alpha blockers are also commonly employed in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), enhancing urinary flow.

Purpose and Use of Propranolol

• Propranolol primarily treats high blood pressure, angina, and anxiety, benefiting conditions involving excessive sympathetic nervous system activity.

Common Medication for BPH

• Tamsulosin is widely recognized as the most common medication prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia, improving urinary symptoms.

Administration Considerations

• Prior to administering nonselective adrenergic blockers, it is critical to monitor blood pressure and heart rate to ensure patient safety.

Heart Rate Reduction

• Beta1 receptor blockade is key in reducing heart rate, a characteristic feature of various beta blocker medications.

Key Properties of Alpha Blockers

• Alpha blockers are known for their vasodilatory effects, which help alleviate hypertension and improve blood flow.
• Besides managing blood pressure, they are beneficial in treating urinary issues associated with prostate enlargement.

Medication Suffixes

• Beta blockers typically end in “-olol.”
• Alpha blockers often end in “-zosin.”