alpha blocker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “alpha blocker” mean?
A type of drug that blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of drug that blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
In medical contexts, a pharmaceutical agent that inhibits the action of norepinephrine and epinephrine at alpha receptors in smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and relaxation of tissues in the prostate and bladder neck. Occasionally used metaphorically in technical discussions to describe any inhibiting agent acting on a primary or 'alpha' system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both medical communities.
Frequency
Equally frequent in professional medical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “alpha blocker” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [PATIENT] an alpha blocker for [CONDITION].[ALPHA BLOCKER] works by blocking [RECEPTORS].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alpha blocker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant decided to alpha-block the patient's receptors.
- They are alpha-blocking to reduce peripheral resistance.
American English
- The physician chose to alpha-block the patient's receptors.
- The drug is alpha-blocking the sympathetic response.
adverb
British English
- The drug acted alpha-blockingly on the system. (Highly technical/rare)
American English
- The agent functioned alpha-blockingly. (Highly technical/rare)
adjective
British English
- The alpha-blocker effect was noticeable.
- She is on an alpha-blocker medication.
American English
- The alpha-blocker effect was pronounced.
- He takes an alpha-blocker drug.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports or marketing.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and biomedical research papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used primarily in patient-doctor conversations about specific prescriptions.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in medicine, pharmacology, and physiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alpha blocker”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alpha blocker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alpha blocker”
- Incorrectly writing as 'alphablocker' (should be hyphenated or two words: alpha-blocker/alpha blocker).
- Confusing it with the more widely known 'beta blocker'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different classes of drugs. Alpha blockers affect alpha-adrenergic receptors (often for blood pressure and prostate issues), while beta blockers affect beta-adrenergic receptors (often for heart rate, anxiety, and blood pressure).
No, you should never stop taking prescription medication like an alpha blocker without consulting your doctor, as it can cause a dangerous rebound increase in blood pressure.
Common side effects can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and in some cases, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).
Yes, they are also frequently used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.
A type of drug that blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Alpha blocker is usually technical/medical in register.
Alpha blocker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælfə ˌblɒkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælfə ˌblɑːkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a technical term with no idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Alpha' as the first line of defence in the nervous system that the drug 'blocks' or inhibits.
Conceptual Metaphor
BLOCKING AS INHIBITING (A blocker is a physical obstacle preventing a process).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medical use of a non-selective alpha blocker like prazosin?