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

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

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

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + constrictor, after French vaso-constricteur

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vasoconstrictor

noun

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

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

vasoconstrictor adjective