Nonselective peripheral alpha-1 blockers should be avoided because they increase the risk of which effect?

Nonselective peripheral alpha-1 blockers should be avoided because they increase the risk of which effect?

• A. Headache
• B. Insomnia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Orthostatic hypotension

Answer: (D)

Blocking alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle causes widespread vasodilation, lowering baseline blood pressure. When you stand, you normally rely on reflex vasoconstriction to maintain cerebral perfusion. With nonselective alpha-1 blockade, this constriction is blunted, so standing can trigger a significant drop in blood pressure—orthostatic hypotension. This is the main and most characteristic risk of these drugs. Headache can occur from vasodilation, but hypertension is the opposite of what these blockers cause, and insomnia isn’t a typical direct effect.

Blocking alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle causes widespread vasodilation, lowering baseline blood pressure. When you stand, you normally rely on reflex vasoconstriction to maintain cerebral perfusion. With nonselective alpha-1 blockade, this constriction is blunted, so standing can trigger a significant drop in blood pressure—orthostatic hypotension. This is the main and most characteristic risk of these drugs. Headache can occur from vasodilation, but hypertension is the opposite of what these blockers cause, and insomnia isn’t a typical direct effect.