Alpha Blockers - Classification

Classification

• α₁-blockers or antagonists act at α₁-adrenoceptors
• α₂-blockers or antagonists act at α₂-adrenoceptors

When the term "alpha blocker" is used without further qualification, it sometimes refers to α₁-blockers, and sometimes refers to agents that act at both types of receptors.

Examples of non-selective α-adrenergic blockers include:

• Phenoxybenzamine
• Phentolamine
• Tolazoline
• Trazodone
• Typical and atypical antipsychotics

Selective α₁-adrenergic blockers include:

• Alfuzosin
• Prazosin
• Doxazosin
• Tamsulosin
• Terazosin
• Silodosin

Selective α₂-adrenergic blockers include:

• Atipamezole
• Idazoxan
• Yohimbine

The agents carvedilol and labetalol are both α- and β-blockers.