Phentolamine is a medication used for various medical purposes, including the treatment of hypertension, pheochromocytoma, and erectile dysfunction.
Brand names for phentolamine include Regitine and OraVerse.
Phentolamine works by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the body. This results in the dilation of blood vessels, which can decrease blood pressure and improve blood flow.
In addition to its use as an antihypertensive agent, phentolamine is also used to manage hypertensive crises caused by conditions such as pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause severe hypertension.
In the field of dentistry, phentolamine is used as an anesthetic reversal agent to counteract the effects of local anesthetics such as lidocaine, making it possible for patients to regain normal oral function more quickly after dental procedures.