The term describes agents that cause blood vessels to narrow. This narrowing increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the constricted area. As an example, certain medications used to treat nasal congestion achieve their effect by causing this action in the blood vessels of the nasal passages.
Understanding such agents is critical in several medical fields. In surgery, they can be used to reduce bleeding. In the treatment of shock, they help to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs. Historically, some of these agents were derived from natural sources and have been used for centuries for their therapeutic effects.
