Adrenergic Blockers Overview Unit 4.2

Adrenergic Blockers - Alpha Blockers

• Action: Blocks alpha1 receptor sites, leading to vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, pupil constriction, and reduced smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck and prostate.
• Use: Antihypertensive, Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and Reynaud's disease.
• Note: Drugs in this class typically end in "sin" and primarily affect blood vessels.

Adrenergic Blockers - Beta Blockers

Beta 1 Blocker

• Action: Blocks beta adrenergic receptor sites, decreases epinephrine movement, and suppresses the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
• Beta 1 Blocker effects are more prevalent in the heart.
• Beta 2 Blocker effects impact the lungs, uterus, and other organs.

Beta 2 Blocker

• Action: Causes bronchoconstriction, uterine contraction, inhibits glycogenolysis, and leads to hypoglycemia.

Beta Blocker Uses

• Uses: Antihypertensive, angina, heart failure, and dysrhythmias.
• Note: Drugs typically end in "olol," and they affect the heart and blood vessels.
• Selective vs. Non-selective: Some drugs are selective, affecting primarily beta 1 receptors (start with A-M); others are non-selective, affecting both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors (start with N-Z).

Beta Blocker Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

• Side effects: Opposite of adrenergic drugs (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, depression, decreased libido, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, masking of hypoglycemia).

Beta Blocker Contraindications

• Contraindications: Heart block, bradycardia, asthma (unless selective beta1), pregnancy, and caution with renal dysfunction and diabetes.

Beta Blocker Interactions

• Interactions: Decreased effect with NSAIDS, increased effect with other antihypertensives and antidysrhythmics, increased risk of hypoglycemia with insulin and sulfonylureas (masks symptoms).

Beta Blocker Assessment

• Assessment: Baseline vital signs, EKG, current medications, and health history.

Beta Blocker Interventions

• Interventions: Monitor vital signs (report marked changes in blood pressure or pulse below 60). Report bothersome side effects (dizziness, lightheadedness, stuffy nose, depression). Provide safety measures (e.g., for orthostatic hypotension).

Beta Blocker Teaching

• Teaching: Take medication at the same time daily. Monitor blood pressure and pulse. Get up slowly. Report side effects. Do not drive until response to the medication is known.

Beta Blocker Evaluation

• Evaluation: Blood pressure decrease, pulse decrease, and side effects managed.

Explore the mechanisms and uses of adrenergic blockers, focusing on alpha and beta blockers. This quiz covers their actions, applications in treating conditions like hypertension and BPH, and important drug naming conventions. Test your knowledge on this critical aspect of pharmacology.