Drugs that inhibit nerve impulses in the sympathetic nervous system. They may block the effect of alpha-adrenergic receptors (e.g. thymoxamine, which is used to reverse pupillary blockage caused by a mydriatic) or the effect of beta-adrenergic receptors, called
beta-blockers (e.g. betaxolol which block beta 1 receptors; timolol maleate, levobunolol, metipranolol and carteolol which block beta 1 and beta 2 receptors). Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Syn. adrenergic blocking agents.
See alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
betablocker.