Chapter 13: Adrenergic Drugs Affecting the ANS pathophysiology of SNS

Question 1

What is the Sympathetic Nervous system

Answer 1

prepares the body for stressful or energetic activity, fight or flight

Question 2

What is the neurotransmitter for the SNS

Answer 2

Norepinephrine

Question 3

sympathomimetics

Answer 3

activates or increase the activity of the SNS - activating fight of flight

Question 4

What are the receptors for the SNS

Answer 4

• Alpha 1: vasoconstriction and pupillary dilation
• Alpha 2: inhibition of release of NE
• Beta 1: Increased HR and contractility, release of renin from kidneys
• Beta 2: inhibition of smooth muscle
• Beta 3: Lipolysis (break down of fat for energy), relaxation of detruser muscle in bladder - why animals/humans urinate on self in fight or flight mode

Question 5

What can we use Sympathomimetics for?

Answer 5

• Nasal Congestion and Hypotension
• Dilation of pupils for eye exam
• cardiac arrest, heart failure, shock
• Asthma/COPD
• premature labor

Question 6

Contraindications for Sympathomimetics

Answer 6

• Narrow-angle glaucoma (because of pupillary dilation)
• patients with existing heart disease

Question 7

What are sympatholytics?

Answer 7

inhibit the SNS
- decreased vasoconstriction
- decreased pupillary dilation
- inhibition of release of NE
- decreased HR
- decreases contractility
- decrease in release of renin from kidneys
- decrease inhibition of smooth muscle
- decreased lipolysis
- decreased relaxation of detrusor muscle

Question 8

What can we treat with sympatholytics?

Answer 8

• HTN (d/t vessel dilation)
• Narrow-angle glaucoma (d/t pupillary constriction)
• Angina, Heart Failure, Dysrhythmias (d/t decreased HR and Contractility)
• BPH (d/t smooth muscle relaxation

Question 9

sympatholytics adverse effects

Answer 9

d/t vasodilation
- Dizziness
- Reflex tachycardia
- priapism/inhibition of ejaculation
-headache