Phentolamine

Phentolamine

Phentolamine (pronounced fen-toe-LA-meen) is a nonselective alpha-adrenergic antagonist used primarily in the management of hypertension and pheochromocytoma. It is also used to treat erectile dysfunction in combination with other drugs.

Etymology

The term "Phentolamine" is derived from the Greek words "phentos", meaning "visible", and "lamine", meaning "layer". This refers to the drug's ability to affect various layers of the body's vascular system.

Usage

Phentolamine is used to control blood pressure in patients with pheochromocytoma before, during, and after surgery. It is also used to prevent or control hypertensive episodes in patients with catecholamine-excess states. In addition, phentolamine is used in combination with other drugs to treat erectile dysfunction.

Mechanism of Action

Phentolamine works by blocking alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are found in the smooth muscle of blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure.

Related Terms

• Alpha-adrenergic antagonist
• Hypertension
• Pheochromocytoma
• Erectile dysfunction
• Catecholamine
• Vascular system
• Smooth muscle

See Also

• List of drugs used to treat hypertension
• List of drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Phentolamine
• Wikipedia's article - Phentolamine

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