Skip to main content
vasoconstrictor

vasoconstrictor

1 7.3
Something, like a drug, that makes blood vessels narrow and raises blood pressure
  • noun
  • /ˌveɪzoʊkənˈstrɪktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vasoconstrictor
  • The active ingredients in these sprays are typically topical vasoconstrictors.
  • topical vasoconstrictors
  • vasoconstrictor drugs
  • vasoconstrictor effect

Examples

  • Thromboxane-2 belongs to another family of prostaglandins and is a vasoconstrictor.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Terlipressin is the vasoconstrictor that has been used most frequently in HRS.

    Academic text (2003)
  • As with vasoconstrictor drugs, the improved renal function probably, but not definitely, results in longer survival.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Sometimes there is a short delay, but as you can see... ...the computer put the patient in the Trendelenburg position... ...and administered a vasoconstrictor.

  • The use of albumin appears to increase the efficacy of vasoconstrictor drugs.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The only effective medical therapy currently available for the management of HRS is the administration of vasoconstrictors.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The main cardiovascular features of septic shock are a gradual fall in blood pressure and a lack of response to vasoconstrictors.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Decongestant: nose drops that act as a vasoconstrictor for symptomatic relief of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosal congestion.

    Academic text (2007)
  • ACE is best characterized for its role in cleaving two carboxy-terminal (C-terminal) amino acids of angiotensin I, thereby producing the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.

    Academic text (2018)
  • The doctor prescribed a vasoconstrictor to help reduce the swelling in her nasal passages.

Synonyms

pressor
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
4 9.9

A substance that narrows blood vessels to raise blood pressure

focuses on the vessel narrowing itself not only the blood pressure result
vasopressor
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A drug that makes blood vessels get smaller and raises blood pressure

is the broader name for such agents beyond clinical drug use
angiotensin
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A hormone that makes blood vessels narrow and raises blood pressure

is the general class label not this specific natural hormone
angiotonin
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
9.1

A chemical that makes blood vessels narrower and raises blood pressure

is the general category term rather than this specific name
vasoconstrictive
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
8.8

A substance that makes blood vessels narrower and raises blood pressure

is the more general category word for the same narrowing effect
endothelin
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
9.8

A protein made by cells that makes blood vessels narrow and raises blood pressure

is the general category term rather than this specific cellular protein
Hypertensin
vsvasoconstrictor
  • Specialized
9.5

A drug that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure

is the general agent category rather than this branded medication

Antonyms

vasodilator
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A drug that makes blood vessels wider to increase blood flow

Surface Forms

Morphology

vasoconstrictor = constrictor (semi-transparent) = vaso + constrict + or

Formation is clear ('constrictor' = one that constricts) but 'vaso-' is a specialized combining form meaning 'vessel' that many learners may not know.

Etymology

Vasoconstrictor is made of vaso- meaning 'vessel', a tube that carries blood, and constrictor meaning 'one that tightens' or 'squeezes'. So a vasoconstrictor is something that 'squeezes' blood vessels, making them narrower and often raising blood pressure.