Final answer:
Vasoconstrictors such as norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and vasopressin are commonly used medications to treat hypotension by increasing blood vessel constriction and raising blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main vasoconstrictors used to treat hypotension include medications like norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and vasopressin. These drugs act on various receptors in the vascular system to induce constriction of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure. Norepinephrine, for example, is a powerful vasoconstrictor that works on alpha-adrenergic receptors, primarily used in acute settings like septic shock or other forms of critical hypotension. Phenylephrine is another selective alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist, which is often used for more controlled blood pressure management. Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone, acts on V1 receptors to increase blood pressure and also has roles in kidney function and water retention.