Alpha-adrenergic agonist
Alpha-adrenergic agonist
Alpha-adrenergic agonists (pronunciation: al-fa ad-ren-er-jik a-gon-ists) are a type of medication that stimulates the alpha receptors in the body. They are primarily used in the treatment of several medical conditions including hypertension, glaucoma, and nasal congestion.
Etymology
The term "Alpha-adrenergic agonist" is derived from the Greek words "alpha" (α), which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and "adrenergic", which refers to the adrenaline system in the body. The term "agonist" comes from the Greek word "agonistes", which means competitor or contender.
Usage
Alpha-adrenergic agonists work by mimicking the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline, the body's natural hormones. They bind to alpha receptors in the body, causing a response similar to the one produced by the natural hormones. This can lead to effects such as constriction of blood vessels, increased heart rate, and dilation of the pupils.
Related Terms
- Alpha receptor: A type of receptor in the body that responds to adrenaline and noradrenaline.
- Adrenaline: A hormone produced by the body in response to stress or danger.
- Noradrenaline: A hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in the body's fight or flight response.
- Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by high blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.
- Nasal congestion: A symptom characterized by a blocked or stuffy nose.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha-adrenergic agonist
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha-adrenergic agonist
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