Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonists

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Questions and Answers

Which receptor do alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists selectively bind to?

  • Serotonin receptors
  • Beta-1 adrenergic receptors
  • Dopamine receptors
  • Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (correct)

Where are most alpha-2 receptors located?

  • Central nervous system (CNS) (correct)
  • Enteric nervous system (ENS)
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

What can peripheral alpha-2 receptor inhibition affect?

  • Promote adrenaline release from the adrenal medulla
  • Insulin release and induce glucagon from the pancreas (correct)
  • Inhibit cortisol production from the adrenal glands
  • Affect dopamine release in the brain

What are the clinical effects of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists?

<p>Hypotension, bradycardia, central sedation, and mild analgesia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists?

<p>Selective targeting of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in a competitive manner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can withdrawal from even short-term use of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists trigger?

<p>Rebound effect, causing a significant increase in sympathetic outflow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do centrally-acting alpha-2 agonists spread throughout?

<p>Central and peripheral nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine and has a terminal half-life of approximately 12-16 hours?

<p>Clonidine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is known for its selective alpha 2 receptor potency with a preference ratio of 1,600:1 for alpha 2 receptors over alpha 1 receptors?

<p>Dexmedetomidine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is commonly used in the ICU and OR as a sedative and analgesic due to its central sympatholytic effects?

<p>Dexmedetomidine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug has dose-dependent reductions in heart rate and blood pressure and is clinically used for treating resistant hypertension, tremors associated with central stimulant medications, and opioid withdrawal?

<p>Clonidine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug has a loading dose of 0.5-1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes and an infusion range of 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hr, with an onset of 5-10 minutes and an offset of 30-60 minutes?

<p>Dexmedetomidine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is known for its potent and highly selective action for alpha 2 receptors, with a preference ratio of 1,620:1, and has a higher affinity for alpha 2 receptors than clonidine?

<p>Precedex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug can lead to physiological dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, and anxiety after just a few days of administration?

<p>Dexmedetomidine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug has a relatively short terminal elimination half-life of 2 hours and is primarily administered intravenously as an infusion?

<p>Dexmedetomidine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonists

  • Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists selectively bind to alpha-2 receptors.
  • Most alpha-2 receptors are located in the pancreas, kidney, and adipose tissue.

Peripheral Effects

  • Peripheral alpha-2 receptor inhibition can affect insulin secretion, sodium reabsorption, and lipolysis.

Clinical Effects

  • Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists can cause sedation, analgesia, and a decrease in sympathetic outflow, leading to decreased blood pressure and heart rate.

Mechanism of Action

  • Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists work by inhibiting the release of norepinephrine, which decreases sympathetic activity.

Withdrawal

  • Withdrawal from even short-term use of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists can trigger rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and anxiety.

Central Action

  • Centrally-acting alpha-2 agonists spread throughout the brain, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and brainstem.

Clonidine

  • Clonidine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine and has a terminal half-life of approximately 12-16 hours.
  • It is known for its selective alpha-2 receptor potency with a preference ratio of 1,600:1 for alpha-2 receptors over alpha-1 receptors.

Dexmedetomidine

  • Dexmedetomidine is commonly used in the ICU and OR as a sedative and analgesic due to its central sympatholytic effects.
  • It has a loading dose of 0.5-1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes and an infusion range of 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hr, with an onset of 5-10 minutes and an offset of 30-60 minutes.

Guanfacine

  • Guanfacine has dose-dependent reductions in heart rate and blood pressure and is clinically used for treating resistant hypertension, tremors associated with central stimulant medications, and opioid withdrawal.

Tizanidine

  • Tizanidine is known for its potent and highly selective action for alpha-2 receptors, with a preference ratio of 1,620:1, and has a higher affinity for alpha-2 receptors than clonidine.
  • It has a relatively short terminal elimination half-life of 2 hours and is primarily administered intravenously as an infusion.

Dependence and Withdrawal

  • Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists can lead to physiological dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, and anxiety after just a few days of administration.

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