AEMCA Practice Exam

What conditions are alpha 1 antagonists used to treat?

1. Depression and anxiety

2. Hypertension and erectile dysfunction

3. Cancer and infections

4. Asthma and allergies

The correct answer is: Hypertension and erectile dysfunction

Alpha 1 antagonists are primarily used to treat conditions related to hypertension, as they work by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure. This mechanism makes them effective in managing high blood pressure (hypertension). Additionally, alpha 1 antagonists can also play a role in treating erectile dysfunction. They help facilitate the relaxation of smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis, improving blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Therefore, their application in both hypertension management and erectile dysfunction makes this choice the most accurate and relevant for the question. The other options refer to conditions that are typically managed with different classes of medications. For example, depression and anxiety are often treated with antidepressants or anxiolytics, while cancer treatments typically involve chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery rather than alpha 1 antagonists. Similarly, asthma and allergies are usually addressed with bronchodilators and antihistamines, not alpha 1 antagonists. This highlights the specific therapeutic roles of alpha 1 antagonists in medicine.