10 Questions
What is a result of the fight or flight response?
Increased muscle glycogen for energy
What is an example of an indirect adrenergic drug?
Cocaine
What is an indication for the use of epinephrine in children?
Treatment of bronchospasm due to asthma or allergic reactions
What is the mechanism of action of alpha 1 antagonists?
Block or decrease the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation
What is the name of the prototype alpha 1 antagonist?
Prazosin
What is the primary mechanism of action of beta adrenergic blocking medications?
Preventing receptors from responding to sympathetic nerve impulses
What is a potential effect of beta blockers on glucose metabolism?
Decreased glucose metabolism
What is a common use of beta blockers in cardiovascular medicine?
Treatment of hypertension
What is a potential effect of beta blockers on the eyes?
Decreased production of aqueous humor
What is a specific medication that is a prototype of beta blockers?
Inderal (propranolol)
Study Notes
Adrenergic Drugs
- Fight or flight response results in increased blood pressure, blood flow to brain, heart, and skeletal muscles, muscle glycogen for energy, rate of coagulation, and pupil dilation
- Affects postsynaptic alpha 1 and beta receptors on target effector organs
- Examples: epinephrine, Isuprel, norepinephrine, phenylephrine
- Indirect adrenergic drug action occurs by stimulation of postsynaptic alpha 1, beta 1, and beta 2 receptors
- Causes release of norepinephrine into the synapse of nerve endings or prevents reuptake of norepinephrine
- Examples: cocaine and tricyclic antidepressants
Indications for Use
- Emergency drugs in treatment of acute cardiovascular, respiratory, and allergic disorders
- In children, epinephrine may be used to treat bronchospasm due to asthma or allergic reactions
- Phenylephrine may be used to treat sinus congestion
Anti-Adrenergics (Sympatholytics)
- Block or decrease the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation, endogenous catecholamines, and adrenergic drugs
Alpha 1 Antagonists
- Minipress (prazosin) is the prototype
- Hytrin (terazosin) and Cardura (doxazosin) are longer acting than Minipress
Beta Adrenergic Blocking Medications
- Prevent receptors from responding to sympathetic nerve impulses, catecholamines, and beta adrenergic drugs
- Decrease heart rate, force of contraction, cardiac output, and slow cardiac conduction
- Decrease automaticity of ectopic pacemakers, renin secretion from kidneys, and blood pressure
- Cause bronchoconstriction, decrease aqueous humor production in the eye, and affect glucose metabolism
- May increase VLDL and decrease HDL, and decrease portal pressure in clients with cirrhosis
- Examples: Inderal (propranolol) is the prototype
- Useful in treatment of hypertension, dysrhythmias, angina pectoris, MI, pheochromocytoma, and migraines
Test your knowledge on adrenergic and anti-adrenergic drugs, their effects on the body, and their mechanisms of action. Learn about the fight or flight response and how these drugs work on target effector organs.
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