definitions

alpha blocker

or al·pha-block·er

noun Pharmacology.

any of various substances that interfere with the action of the alpha receptors.

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Nearby words

alpes-maritimes, alpestrine, alpha, alpha and omega, alpha angle, alpha blocker, alpha brass, alpha carotene, alpha cell, alpha centauri, alpha centauri system
Compare beta blocker.

Related forms

al·pha-block·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for alpha-blocker

alpha-blocker

noun

any of a class of drugs that prevent the stimulation of alpha adrenoceptors, a type of receptor in the sympathetic nervous system, by adrenaline and noradrenaline and that therefore cause widening of blood vessels: used in the treatment of high blood pressure and prostatic hyperplasia
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for alpha-blocker

alpha-blocker

n.

A drug that opposes the excitatory effects of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve endings at alpha-adrenergic receptors and causes vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.alpha-adrenergic blocking agent
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.