vasoconstrictor

noun

va·so·con·stric·tor ˌvā-zō-kən-ˈstrik-tər

: an agent (such as a sympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasoconstriction

Did you know?

Our blood vessels are constantly narrowing and widening in response to our activity or our environment, constricting in order to retain body heat and widening to get rid of excess heat. So when we're hot our skin flushes, and when we're very cold we become pale. Since the width of the blood vessels affects blood pressure, vasoconstrictors are prescribed to treat low blood pressure. Vasoconstrictors include antihistamines and amphetamines, as well as nicotine and caffeine; we commonly buy them for our runny noses and bloodshot eyes as well. The opposite of vasoconstrictors are vasodilators, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure.

Examples of vasoconstrictor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many eye drops, especially those that reduce redness, include vasoconstrictors in the form of decongestants, and these aren’t safe for long-term use. —

Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2023 This powerful vasoconstrictor reduces redness and eye irritation by narrowing the blood vessels in the eyes. —

Lindsay Modglin, Health, 1 May 2023 That said, a dermatologist can treat symptoms and contain especially bad flare ups with topical and oral antibiotics, topical vasoconstrictors, or medications. —

Women's Health, 2 May 2023 The most common active ingredients include antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, and lubricating agents. —

Lindsay Modglin, Health, 1 May 2023 Norepinephrine acts as a vasoconstrictor and boosts alertness. —

Dallas News, 24 July 2022 Caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor, antagonizes sleep-inducing adenosine receptors, and promotes brain function by stimulating calcium release from cells. —

Dallas News, 24 July 2022 Upneeq contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a vasoconstrictor that causes the Müller’s muscle—one of two muscles that open the eyelid—to contract, creating a lift that lasts about six hours. —

Jancee Dunn, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2021 Manet became addicted to ergot, a derivative of a rye fungus, which had been prescribed as a vasoconstrictor. —

Colin B. Bailey, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vasoconstrictor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + constrictor, after French vaso-constricteur

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of vasoconstrictor was in 1877

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near vasoconstrictor

vasoconstrictive

vasoconstrictor

vasocorona

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vasoconstrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasoconstrictor. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Copy Citation