Alpha-blockers orAlpha blockers are a class of drugs used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. This drug can also be used to treat urinary disorders in men due to an enlarged prostate gland.
In patients with hypertension, alpha blockers may be prescribed if other drugs have not succeeded in lowering blood pressure. This drug is not the drug of first choice used to treat hypertension and will usually be combined with other drugs, such as diuretics.
Alpha-blocking drugs work by blocking the hormone norepinephrine, so that blood vessels relax and stay open. As a result, blood flow becomes smooth and blood pressure decreases. This muscle-relaxing effect can also be used to treat complaints of urinary disorders experienced by patients with enlarged prostate glands or prostate cancer benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Warnings Before Using Alpha Blockers:
- Do not take alpha blockers if you have a history of allergies to these drugs.
- Do not drive a vehicle or control heavy equipment while taking alpha-blocking drugs because these drugs can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had prostate cancer.
- Tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, digestive tract obstruction, constipation, kidney problems, or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor about your history of using alpha-blocking drugs if you are going to have surgery, such as cataract surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction or any other antihypertensive medication.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using an alpha blocker, see a doctor immediately.
Alpha . Blocker Side Effects
Alpha-blocking drugs rarely cause side effects. In some people, side effects can appear within the first 2 weeks of treatment and will go away on their own. These side effects include:
- Headache and dizziness
- Feeling sleepy
- Heart beat
- Body feels weak
Other side effects that may arise from the use of alpha-blocking drugs depend on the type of drug used. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Stomach bloating and feeling very sick
- Chest pain that occurs for the first time or gets worse
- Penile erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or more
In addition, alpha blockers also have the effect of lowering total cholesterol levels.
Type, Trademark, and Dosage of Alpha . Inhibitors
According to the effect of action, alpha blockers can be divided into two types, namely fast acting (short acting) and slow work (long acting). Its use will be tailored to the needs and conditions of the patient. This drug is only used in adult patients.
Alpha-blocking drugs should only be given by a doctor and must be used according to the instructions for use and the dose prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop the drug carelessly. If you forget to take this medication for a few days, you should return to your doctor for a dose adjustment.
Below are some types of drugs that belong to the alpha blocker class:
Alfuzosin
Form: tablets and slow-release tablets
Trademark: Xatral XL
- Condition: benign prostate enlargement
Adult: 2.5 mg, 3 times daily, up to 10 mg daily.
Dosage of sustained-release tablets: 10 mg, once daily.
Elderly: 2.5 mg, 2 times a day.
Dosage of sustained-release tablets: 10 mg, once daily, for 3-4 days.
Doxazosin
Form: tablets and slow-release tablets
Doxazosin trademarks: Cardura and Tensidox
- Condition: hypertension
Dosage: 1 mg, once daily, at bedtime. The dose can be doubled every 1-2 weeks, depending on the response of the patient's body.
Maintenance dose: 1–4 mg, once daily, up to 16 mg daily.
Dosage of sustained-release tablets: 4 mg, once daily. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 8 mg, once daily, after 4 weeks.
- Condition: benign prostate enlargement
Dosage: 1 mg, once daily, at bedtime. The dose can be doubled every 1-2 weeks, depending on the response of the patient's body.
Maintenance dose: 2–4 mg per day, maximum 8 mg per day.
Dosage of sustained-release tablets: 4 mg, once daily. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 8 mg once daily, after 4 weeks.
Indoramin
Shape: tablet
Indoramin trademark: Indoramin
- Condition: hypertension
Dosage: 25 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased by 25–50 mg gradually every 2 weeks. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses.
- Condition: benign prostate enlargement
Dosage: 20 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased by 20 mg every 2 weeks. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day in divided doses.
Terazosin
Dosage form: tablet
Terazosin trademark: Hytrin
- Condition: hypertension
Dosage: 1 mg, once daily, before bedtime. The dose can be increased every 7 days, depending on the response of the patient's body.
Maintenance dose: 2–10 mg, once daily.
The maximum dose is 20 mg per day divided into 1-2 doses.
- Condition: benign prostate enlargement
Dosage: 1 mg, once daily, before bedtime. The dose can be increased every 7 days, depending on the response of the patient's body.
Maintenance dose: 5–10 mg, once daily.
Tamsulosin
Shape: tablet
Trademark: Harnal D
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the tamsulosin drug page.
