Adrenergic Drugs

Question 1

What are adrenergic drugs?

Answer 1

Drugs that simulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

Question 2

What SNS neurotransmitters do adrenergic drugs mimic?

Answer 2

Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Dopamine

Question 3

What are a1-adrenergic receptors?

Answer 3

Located on postsynaptic effector cells

Question 4

What are a2-adrenergic receptors?

Answer 4

Located on presynaptic nerve terminals
Control the release of neurotransmitters

Question 5

What are the a-adrenergic agonist responses?

Answer 5

Vasoconstriction
CNS stimulation

Question 6

What’s the difference between b1 and b2 adrenergic receptors?

Answer 6

B1: Heart
B2: Lungs

Question 7

What are the b-adrenergic agonist responses?

Answer 7

Bronchial, GI and Uterine smooth muscle relaxation
Glycogenolysis
Cardiac stimulation

Question 8

What blood vessels do the dopaminergic receptors dilate ?

Answer 8

Renal
Mesenteric
Coronary
Cerebral

Question 9

What is the MOA of indirect-acting sympathomimetics?

Answer 9

Causes release of catecholamine in nerve endings
Catecholamine binds to receptors and causes a physiological response

Question 10

What is the MOA of mixed-acting sympathomimetic?

Answer 10

Direct and indirect acting actions

Question 11

What are the indications of adrenergic drugs and which receptors would they affect ?

Answer 11

Asthma and bronchitis: b2-adrenergic receptors
Nasal congestion: a1-adrenergic receptors
Conjunctival congestion: a-adrenergic receptors
Dilation of pupils and reduction of intraocular pressure: a-adrenergic receptors

Question 12

What are vasoactive sympathomimetics and what are they AKA?

Answer 12

AKA: Pressors, inotropes
Used to support the heart during cardiac failure or shock

Question 13

Name 5 vasoactive sympathomimetics

Answer 13

Dobutamine
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Phenylephrine

Question 14

What is dobutamine HCL? (form and MOA)

Answer 14

Stimulates b1- receptors on heart muscle increased cardiac output by increasing contractility, which increased stroke volume.
IV drug via continuous infusion

Question 15

What is dopamine HCL? (difference between dosages)

Answer 15

Low dosages: Dilate blood vessels in the brain, heart, kidneys and mesentery, which increases blood flow to these areas
Higher rates: Improved cardiac contractility and output
Highest doses: vasoconstriction

Question 16

What is epinephrine?

Answer 16

Acts directly on both the a and b-adrenergic receptors of tissues innervated by the SNS
Administered in emergency situations

Question 17

What is norepinephrine?

Answer 17

Stimulates a-adrenergic receptors
Causes vasoconstriction
Treatment of hypotension and shock

Question 18

What is phenylephrine?

Answer 18

Used primarily for short-term treatment to raise BP
Control of supraventricular tachycardias
Vasoconstriction in regional anaesthesia

Question 19

What are the CNS, cardiovascular and other AE of a-adrenergic drugs?

Answer 19

CNS: Headache, restlessness, excitement, insomnia, euphoria
CV: Palpitations, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, HTN
Other: Loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, taste changes

Question 20

What are the CNS, cardiovascular and other AE of b-adrenergic drugs?

Answer 20

CNS: Mild tremors, headache, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria
CV: Chest pain, increased HR, palpitations, HTN, vasoconstriction
Other: Sweating, nausea, vomiting, cramps

Question 21

What are the interactions of adrenergic drugs?

Answer 21

Anaesthetic drugs
Digoxin
Tricyclic antidepressants (HTN)
MAOIs (HTN)
Antihistamines
Thyroid drugs

Question 22

What is a consideration regarding salmeterol xinafoate?

Answer 22

Indicated for the prevention of bronchospasms, not management of acute symptoms