Vasopressor
Vasopressor
Vasopressor (pronounced: vaso-press-or, /ˌveɪzoʊˈprɛsər/) is a class of drugs that are used to increase blood pressure in certain medical conditions.
Etymology
The term "vasopressor" is derived from the Greek words "vaso" meaning vessel and "pressor" meaning pressure. It refers to the drug's ability to constrict (narrow) blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Usage
Vasopressors are primarily used in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure), especially in critical care settings. They work by constricting the blood vessels, which increases the amount of pressure the blood exerts against the vessel walls. This helps to increase blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Types of Vasopressors
There are several types of vasopressors, including norepinephrine (Levophed), dopamine (Intropin), epinephrine (Adrenalin), and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Each of these drugs works in a slightly different way, but all serve the same basic function of increasing blood pressure.
Side Effects
Like all medications, vasopressors can have side effects. These may include arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), palpitations, anxiety, and nausea. In rare cases, prolonged use of vasopressors can lead to tissue necrosis (tissue death) due to reduced blood flow.
Related Terms
- Inotrope: A drug that affects the force of heart contractions. Some vasopressors have inotropic effects as well.
- Vasoconstrictor: A substance that narrows blood vessels. Vasopressors are a type of vasoconstrictor.
- Vasodilator: A substance that widens blood vessels. This is the opposite of a vasoconstrictor.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasopressor
- Wikipedia's article - Vasopressor
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