Adrenergic Drugs Overview

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@LaudableSchorl4635

Study Notes

Adrenergic drugs mimic or enhance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, specifically the actions of the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine.
These drugs act on adrenergic receptors throughout the body, leading to physiological responses such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, bronchodilation, and heightened alertness.
Commonly used to treat conditions like low blood pressure, asthma, and certain heart-related issues.

α1: Arterioles (coronary, visceral, cutaneous), veins, internal sphincters, pupil dilator muscle.
α2: Presynaptic membrane, pancreas, veins, adipose tissue, GIT sphincters, salivary glands.
β1: Heart (SA node, atrial muscle, AV node, ventricles), kidney.
β2: Arterioles (muscular), veins, bronchi (muscles), liver, pancreas, uterus, iris constrictor muscle.
β3: Adipose tissue, urinary bladder.

Hemostasis: Drugs like epinephrine and norepinephrine induce vasoconstriction to control bleeding during surgical procedures.
Hypotension Treatment: Drugs like phenylephrine and dopamine can raise blood pressure and maintain perfusion during surgery.

Adrenergic bronchodilators like albuterol and salmeterol are used to open up airways, facilitating breathing during surgeries, especially those involving the respiratory system.

Adding adrenergic agonists like epinephrine to local anesthetics prolongs the duration of anesthesia by constricting blood vessels and slowing anesthetic agent absorption.

Antiadrenergic drugs inhibit the actions of the sympathetic nervous system and its neurotransmitters.
They act on adrenergic receptors, leading to physiological effects like decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and reduced heart contractility.
Used to manage conditions such as hypertension, certain heart rhythm disorders, and anxiety.

Blood Pressure Control: Beta blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol are used to manage and control high blood pressure during and after surgery.

Antiadrenergic drugs like atenolol and esmolol are used to control and prevent irregular heart rhythms during surgical procedures.

Antiadrenergic drugs can help manage pre-operative anxiety and stress, promoting a smoother surgical experience. Medications like propranolol can be used for this purpose.

Some antiadrenergic drugs, such as propranolol and timolol, are used to prevent migraines, which can be triggered by certain stimuli encountered during surgery.