Sympatholytic Drugs Flashcards
(95 cards)
Define Sympatholytic Drugs.
Drugs that block activation of adrenergic receptors
What are some examples of sympatholytic drugs?
- •Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists & α-2 agonists
- Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists
- Combined alpha & beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists
Calcium channel blockers
Review predominent phsyiologic effects of alpha 1 adrenergic and dopamine receptors.

What do Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists block?
Block the effects of catecholamines/sympathomimetics
What is the side effects of Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists?
- orthostatic hypotension
- baroreceptor-mediated reflex tachycardia
- impotence
What does Absence of beta-adrenergic blockade results in?
maximum expression of cardiac stimulation from NE which leads to tachycardia
Review tissue location and actions of Alpha 1 and 2 receptors.

What is the MOA of Phentolamine?
Nonselective (reversible) α antagonist acting on postsynaptic α1 and presynaptic α2 receptors
What is the clinical effects of Phentolamine (4)?
- Peripheral vasodilation & decreased systemic BP resulting from α1 blockade; reflects direct action on vascular smooth muscle
- Reflex baroreceptor-mediated increase in sympathetic cardiac activity
- α2 blockade permits enhanced neural release of NE resulting in increased CO, HR
- Cardiac dysrhythmias and angina may result
What is the onset of Phentolamine?
Onset within 2 min, lasting 10-15 (transient effects)
What is the most common clinical indications of Phentolamine?
Treatment of acute HTN emergencies (ex: pheochromocytoma)
What is the infusion of Phentolamine?
Infusion: 0.1-2 mg/min
What is the dose for local inflitration?
5-15 mg/10 ml normal saline to treat extravasation of vasoconstricting sympathomimetic drug
What is the MOA of Phenoxybenzamie?
Nonselective α-adrenergic antagonist (combines covalently w/A-adrenergic receptor
Which alpha block associated with Phenoxybenzamie has the more intense response?
α 1 blockade more intense than α 2 blockade
What is the onset of Phenoxybenzamie?
Slow onset (up to 60 min with IV)
What is the elimination half-time of Phenoxybenzamie?
half-time 24 hrs
What is the side effects of Phenoxybenzamie?
Orthostatic hypotension, pronounced in preexisting HTN or hypovolemia
What drug interaction can occur with Phenoxybenzamie?
Exaggerated BP decreases: blood loss and volatile anesthetics (vasodilation)
What are the clinical uses of Phenoxybenzamie?
- Main use: control BP with pheochromocytoma
- Works best in cutaneous vasoconstriction as seen with Raynaud disease
- Miosis, nasal stuffiness, sedation (chronic therapy)
What are some αlpha-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists?
- Phentolamine
- Phenoxybenzamie
- Yohimbine
- Doxazosin
- Prazosin (Minipress)
- Terazosin
- Tamsulosin
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What is the MOA of Yohimbine?
Selective presynaptic α-2 antagonist
What does Yohimbine promote release of?
enhanced NE release from nerve endings
What Yohimbine associated with?
Associated w/increased skeletal muscle activity & tremors






