alpha blocker

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Explanation of "Alpha Blocker"

Definition: An "alpha blocker" is a type of medicine (or drug) that helps to relax certain muscles in the body. It works by blocking specific receptors (called alpha-adrenergic receptors) that can cause these muscles to tighten. Alpha blockers are often used to help treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, and they can also help with high blood pressure.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: Alpha blockers are usually prescribed by a doctor when someone has issues like difficulty urinating due to prostate problems or when they have high blood pressure.
• How to Take: They can come in different forms such as tablets or capsules, and should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider.

Example Sentence

• "The doctor prescribed an alpha blocker to help relieve the patient's urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate."

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: In a medical setting, you might hear discussions about different types of alpha blockers, such as prazosin, terazosin, or doxazosin, which are specific examples of these drugs.
• Pharmacology: Healthcare professionals may analyze how different alpha blockers interact with the body and their effects on blood pressure and urinary flow.

Word Variants

• Noun Form: Alpha blocker (singular), alpha blockers (plural)
• Related Terms: Alpha-adrenergic receptors (the receptors that these blockers work on).

Different Meanings

• In a non-medical context, "alpha" can refer to someone who is dominant in a group (like in social settings or animal behavior), but this is not related to the medical meaning of "alpha blocker."

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "alpha blocker" in the medical context, but related terms might include:
  • Antihypertensive (a broader category of drugs that lower blood pressure)
  • Prostate relaxant (informal term referring to the effect on the prostate)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "alpha blocker." However, in the context of medication, you might hear phrases like:
  • "Take the edge off": This means to reduce severity or discomfort, which could describe the effect of alpha blockers on symptoms.

Summary

An "alpha blocker" is a medication that helps relax muscles in the prostate and bladder, often used for urinary problems and high blood pressure.

Academic

Noun

1. any of various drugs that block alpha-adrenergic receptors; used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia; relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder

Synonyms

• alpha-blocker
• alpha-adrenergic blocker
• alpha-adrenergic blocking agent