vasoconstrictor
noun
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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
Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025
The fastest-acting treatment for rosacea typically involves topical vasoconstrictors at low doses, such as Mirvaso (brimonidine).10
Laser treatments can also offer relatively quick improvements but may require multiple sessions.
—T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which may help reverse the dilation done by alcohol.
—Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Vasoconstrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasoconstrictor. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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vasoconstrictor
noun
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