Adrenergic-Blocking Drugs Flashcards
adrenergic receptors
specific receptor sites located throughout the body for the endogenous sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
acrocyanosis
decreased amount of oxygen delivered to the extremities, causing the feet or hands to turn blue
agonists
drugs with a specific receptor affinity that mimic the body’s natural chemicals (e.g. hormones, neurotransmitters)
angina
paroxysmal (sudden) chest pain caused by myocardial ischaemia
antagonists
drugs that bind to specific receptors and inhibit or block the response of the receptors
dysrhythmias
irregular heart rhythms; almost always called arrhythmias in clinical practice
extravasation
the leaking of fluid from blood vessel into the surrounding tissues, as in the case of an infiltrated intravenous infusion
first-dose phenomenon
severe and sudden drop in blood pressure after administration of the first dose of an alpha-adrenergic blocker
intristic sympathomimetic activity
the paradoxical action of some beta-blocking drugs (e.g. acebutolol) that mimics the action of the sympathetic nervous system
lipophilicity
the chemical attraction of a substance (e.g. a drug molecule) to lipid or fat molecules
orthostatic hypotension
a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up; also referred to as postural hypotension or orthostasis
pheochromocytoma
a vascular adrenal gland tumour that is usually benign but secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine and this often causes central nervous system stimulation and substantial bolo pressure elevation
Raynaud’s disease
a narrowing of small arteries that limits the amount of blood circulation to the extremities, causing numbness of the nose, fingers, toes, and ears in response to cold temperatures
sympatholytics
drugs that inhibit the postganglionic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system
adrenergic-blocking drugs: alpha1 blockers
alfuzosin [Uroxatral], doxazosin [Cardura], phenoxybenzamine [Dibenzyline], phentolamine [generic], prazosin [Minipress], terazosin [Hytrin], tamsulosin [Flomax]
