Vasoconstrictor

From ArticleWorld

A vasoconstrictor is a substance that constricts the blood vessels. Vasoconstrictors act on a number of receptors, like vasopressin receptors and adrenoreceptors in order to constrict the vessels.

Vasoconstrictors act by narrowing the lumen, therefore increasing blood pressure and reducing the local blood flow. They quickly act upon the heart, by increasing the strength of ventricular contraction, increasing the heart rate and constricts the arterioles in the skin and mucosa. Vasoconstrictors are used for clinical purposes, with the most commonly used being the serotonin, vasopressin and angiotensin II.

Clinical usage

Vasoconstrictors are used in the treatment of various affections. These include treatment of nasal congestions, cardiac arrests and anaphylaxis, with small intravenous or subcutaneous doses. Some vasoconstrictors can be injected intramuscullary, but it is better to avoid this with modern vasoconstrictors, as they may cause necrosis of muscular tissues.

Clinical use must be considered carefully, because adrenergic vasoconstrictors may participate in drug interactions and cause harm to the patients. Recent studies have shown that vasoconstrictors that include tricyclic antidepressants, certain beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, anesthetics and cocaine are the most vulnerable to cause various affections if combined with other drugs.