Antihypotensive agent

Antihypotensive agent is a type of pharmacological agent used in the treatment of hypotension, or low blood pressure. These agents work by increasing blood pressure, thereby preventing or alleviating the symptoms of hypotension.

Mechanism of Action

Antihypotensive agents function by various mechanisms to increase blood pressure. Some agents, such as vasopressors, work by constricting blood vessels, which increases the resistance to blood flow and thereby raises blood pressure. Other agents, such as inotropes, increase the force of heart contractions, which can also raise blood pressure.

Types of Antihypotensive Agents

There are several types of antihypotensive agents, including:

• Vasopressors: These agents constrict blood vessels to increase blood pressure. Examples include norepinephrine and phenylephrine.

• Inotropes: These agents increase the force of heart contractions. Examples include dobutamine and digoxin.

• Volume expanders: These agents increase the volume of blood in the body, which can help raise blood pressure. Examples include crystalloids and colloids.

Uses

Antihypotensive agents are used in various clinical settings to treat hypotension. They may be used in emergency situations, such as shock, to quickly raise blood pressure. They may also be used in the management of chronic conditions that cause hypotension, such as Addison's disease.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antihypotensive agents can have side effects. These may include tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, and arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. In some cases, these agents may also cause hypertension, or high blood pressure.

See Also

• Hypotension
• Vasopressor
• Inotrope
• Volume expander