Blocking Agent (Noun)
Meaning
A class of drugs that inhibit (block) some biological process.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Beta blockers are a type of blocking agent used to reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the action of certain hormones on the heart.
- As a blocking agent, cimetidine works by preventing histamine from stimulating the stomach to release acid.
- This blocking agent prevents the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine, resulting in an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.
- Oxytocin antagonists are blocking agents that prevent the action of oxytocin, which can cause contractions in the uterus during pregnancy.
- PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, are a type of blocking agent that prevents the release of gastric acid by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach lining.