Doxazosin mesylate is an α1-selective alpha blocker used to treat high blood pressure and urinary retention associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker that inhibits the binding of norepinephrine (released from sympathetic nerve terminals) to the alpha-1 receptors on the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells. The primary effect of this inhibition is relaxed vascular smooth muscle tone (vasodilation), which decreases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to decreased blood pressure. Doxazosin and similar medications like prazosin have been found to help reduce the intensity of and/or stop posttraumatic stress disorder night terrors and nightmares. The full reasoning of this effect is not understood. Doxazosin shows potential for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction.
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