This class of medications is employed in the treatment of hypertension, which refers to high blood pressure, as well as urinary symptoms that arise from an enlarged prostate gland.
Alpha-blocker medications function by disrupting the nerve signals that regulate the constriction of blood vessels. As a result, these medications induce vasodilation, causing the blood vessels to widen. This widening leads to a reduction in blood pressure. In the context of treating an enlarged prostate gland, alpha-blockers have the effect of relaxing the circular muscles located at the outlet of the bladder. This relaxation improves the flow of urine and facilitates the elimination process.
Potential side effects of alpha-blocker medications may encompass symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, which can arise due to a decrease in blood pressure upon standing up. Other commonly observed side effects include drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and a dry mouth.