Adrenegic/antiadrenergic Flashcards
What do adrenergic drugs mimic?
norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine.
Name a drug that is similar to epinephrine but less potent and has a longer action.
Ephedrine
What is pseudoephedrine(Sudafed) commonly used for?
bronchodilator and decongestant
What effect does phenylephrine (Neosynephrine) produce?
Vasoconstriction
List some effects produced by adrenergic drugs.
- Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles
- Cardiac stimulation
- Peripheral vasoconstriction
- Relief of allergic symptoms
- Stopping local bleeding
- Decrease in pain sensation
What is a primary use of epinephrine in emergencies?
Cardiac arrest and anaphylactic shock
How can epinephrine be administered?
- IM
- IV
- SQ
- Topically
- By inhalation
What is a contraindication for using adrenergic drugs?
Cardiac arrhythmias
What should be monitored when administering adrenergic drugs?
- vital signs
- Health history
- Urine output
- Blood glucose levels
True or False: Alpha blocking agents decrease the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation.
True
What is the goal of antiadrenergic drug therapy?
To suppress pathologic stimulation, not normal physiological responses
What is the effect of alpha 2 adrenergic agonists?
Vasodilate, decreasing BP
What are clinical indications for alpha adrenergic blockers?
- Hypertension
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
What are the two types of beta blockers?
- Cardio-selective
- Non-cardioselective
Adverse effect of beta blockers?
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Dizziness
What should patients be taught about stopping antiadrenergic drugs?
Do not stop abruptly
What are common adverse effects of alpha 2 agonists?
- Hypotension
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Edema
What can excessive use of adrenergic drugs lead to?
Increased side effects without therapeutic benefit
Alpha 1 adrenergic blockers cause _______.
Vasodilation
What is a adverse effect of non-cardioselective beta blockers?
Bradycardia & heart block, Bronchospasm-dyspnea,
Edema and fatigue
What are the nursing implications for older adults using adrenergic drugs?
Monitor for excess cardiac and CNS stimulation
What should be done if the pulse rate is less than 60 bpm for several days?
Notify the healthcare provider
Alpha 1 blocking agents
doxasin (cardora)
prozasin (Minipress)
tamsulosin HCL (Flomax)
Alpha 2 antagonist
clonidine (catapress)
methylodopa (Aldomet)
