Ganglionic Blockers

Question 1

Ganglionic blockers refers to what?

Answer 1

Antagonists of cholinergic nicotinic receptors found on autonomic ganglia.

Question 2

One drug

Answer 2

trimethaphan

Question 3

Ganglionic blockers have widespread effects on the entire body

Answer 3

True…that’s why they have been replaced as HTN drugs

Question 4

main neurotransmitter in sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia

Answer 4

acetylcholine

Question 5

Effect of ganglionic blockade on arterioles

Answer 5

Vasodilation; increased peripheral blood flow, hypotension

This is predominantly innervated by sympathetics so this makes sense

Question 6

Effect of ganglionic blockade on veins

Answer 6

Dilation, peripheral pooling of blood; decreased venous return, decreased cardiac output

Question 7

Heart

Answer 7

tachycardia

Predominantly causes cholinergic blockage

Question 8

Mech of action

Answer 8

compete with ach for nicotinic binding site. Block the initial EPSP caused by big Na release and leads to inhibition of ganglionic transmission

Question 9

Adverse effects

Answer 9

hypotension, tachycardia, arrhytmia, blurred vision, asthma, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention