Master Selective Alpha-1 Blockers with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

These medications selectively block α₁ adrenergic receptors in smooth muscle, arteriolar and central nervous system tissues. This leads to vasodilation in arteries. Tamsulosin is selective for α_1a receptors, which belong in the prostate, and is indicated for BPH while having little activity on hypertension.

By acting on α₁ adrenergic receptors in arteriolar smooth muscle and causing vasodilation, these medications treat hypertension.

Tamsulosin is a drug which is selective for α_1a receptors, which exist in the prostate. Thus, it is helpful in treating urinary retention in BPH, but has little effect on blood pressure.

This drug class may cause syncope, and this is especially seen with Prazosin. The body cannot adequately maintain cerebral blood pressure without α₁ activity and this leads to syncope and dizziness.

These medications are known for causing orthostatic hypotension, as the body poorly controls blood pressure without α₁ input. Patients are cautioned to stand up slowly while on this medication.There is a "1st dose phenomenon" which occurs the first time a patient is introduced to an α₁ blocker, where a sudden and severe fall in blood pressure occurs with body position changes.Tamsulosin has been linked to priapism.