lower blood pressure by blocking alpha-receptors in the smooth muscle of peripheral arteries throughout the tissues of the body.
Alpha-receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system, and serve to constrict the peripheral arteries.
Alpha-blockers cause the peripheral arteries to dilate and lower blood pressure.
Alpha-blockers alone as a first line drug choice for hypertension may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, and should not be used as an initial drug choice for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Alpha-blockers are particularly useful in patients with enlargement of the prostate gland because these drugs reduce the problems with urinating.