alpha-adrenergic blocker

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Word: Alpha-adrenergic blocker

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: An alpha-adrenergic blocker is a type of medicine that helps to relax certain muscles in the body. It works by blocking special sites in the body called "alpha-adrenergic receptors." These drugs are often used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, leading to problems with urination.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You would use the term "alpha-adrenergic blocker" when discussing medications, particularly in the context of treating prostate issues or certain heart conditions.
• How to Use: Typically, it is used in medical or health-related conversations.

Example:

• "The doctor prescribed an alpha-adrenergic blocker to help relieve my urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might talk about how alpha-adrenergic blockers can affect blood pressure or how they are part of a broader category of medications used in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Word Variants:

• Alpha-adrenergic blocking agent: Another way to refer to the same type of drug.
• Alpha blocker: A common, shorter term for alpha-adrenergic blockers.

Different Meanings:

While "alpha-adrenergic blocker" has a specific meaning in medicine, the term "alpha" in other contexts might refer to something being dominant or first in a sequence (like "alpha male" in social dynamics).

Synonyms:

• Alpha blocker: A more informal or shortened term for alpha-adrenergic blocker.
• Adrenergic antagonist: A more technical term that can also refer to this class of medications.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "alpha-adrenergic blocker," as it is a specialized medical term. However, the concept of blocking can be related to other phrases, like "blocking someone’s way," which means preventing someone from moving forward.

Summary:

An alpha-adrenergic blocker is a medicine that helps relax muscles related to the prostate and bladder, improving urination in men with prostate enlargement.

Academic

Noun

1. any of various drugs that block alpha-adrenergic receptors; used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia; relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder

Synonyms

• alpha blocker
• alpha-blocker
• alpha-adrenergic blocking agent