vasoconstrictor

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vasoconstrictor (vay-zoh-kŏn-strik-ter) n. an agent that causes narrowing of the blood vessels and therefore a decrease in blood flow. Vasoconstrictors are alpha agonists (see sympathomimetic), used to raise the blood pressure in disorders of the circulation, shock, or severe bleeding and to maintain blood pressure during surgery (see ephedrine, metaraminol, phenylephrine). Some (e.g. ephedrine, xylometazoline) are used to treat nasal congestion.

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