Vasoconstrictor (Vasoconstrictor) - a substance that causes vasoconstriction - a narrowing of blood vessels and a decrease in blood flow in them. As a rule, they relate to alpha-adrenergic agonists .
Vasoconstrictors include, for example, metaraminol and phenylephrine . Vasoconstrictors are used to increase blood pressure (BP) for various circulatory disorders, in case of shock or severe bleeding, as well as to maintain a certain level of blood pressure during surgery. Some vasoconstrictors (for example, xylometazoline , oxymetazoline ) have a rapid effect on the body when applied topically, so they are often used to eliminate the feeling of nasal congestion.
With a sharp increase in blood pressure, a person may develop headache and vomiting .
Vasoconstrictors are often added to solutions of local anesthetics used in dental practice, lengthening the duration of action of the latter.