Adrenergic Drugs

Question 1

Other Names for Adrenergic Drugs

Answer 1

Adrenergic-agonists

Sympathomimetics

Question 2

Characteristics of Adrenergic Drugs

Answer 2

Mimic the effects of SNS neurotransmitters (catecholamines):

1. Norepinephrine
2. Epinephrine
3. Dopamine

Question 3

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist Responses

Answer 3

Vasoconstriction

CNS stimulation

Question 4

Beta-Adrenergic Agonist Responses

Answer 4

Bronchial, GI, and uterine smooth muscle relaxation
Glycogenolysis
Cardiac stimulation

Question 5

Dopaminergic Receptors

Answer 5

Causes dilation of renal, mesenteric, coronary, and cerebral blood vessels

Lower doses–>Dilation
Higher doses–>Constriction

Question 6

Blood Vessels

Answer 6

Alpha1: Vasoconstriction
Beta2: Vasodilation

Question 7

Cardiac Muscle

Answer 7

Beta1: Increased contractility

Question 8

AV Node

Answer 8

Beta1: Increased heart rate

Question 9

SA Node

Answer 9

Beta1: Increased heart rate

Question 10

GI Muscle

Answer 10

Beta2 and Alpha: Decreased motility

Question 11

Sphincters

Answer 11

Alpha1: Constriction

Question 12

Penis

Answer 12

Alpha1: Ejaculation

Question 13

Uterus

Answer 13

Alpha1: Contraction
Beta2: Relaxation

Question 14

Bronchial Muscles

Answer 14

Beta2: Dilation

Question 15

Liver

Answer 15

Alpha1 and Beta2: Glycogenolysis

Question 16

Pupils

Answer 16

Alpha1: Dilation (Mydriasis)

Question 17

Positive Inotropic Effect

Answer 17

Increased force of contraction

Question 18

Positive Chronotropic Effect

Answer 18

Increased heart rate

Question 19

Positive Dromotropic Effect

Answer 19

Increased conduction through the AV node

Question 20

Vasoactive Sympathomimetics

Answer 20

Dobutamine
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine

IV infusion ONLY
Based on weight
Given in mcg/kg/min

Question 21

Dobutamine

Answer 21

Short-term treatment of heart failure
Similar to dopamine
Stimulates Beta2 receptors on the myocardium to increase CO via positive inotropy, which increases SV

Question 22

Dopamine

Answer 22

Not used as much as dobutamine

Low dosages cause dilation of blood vessels (dopaminergic receptor activity)

Higher dosages improve cardiac contractility and output (Beta1-adrenergic receptor activity)

Highest doses cause vasoconstriction (alpha1-adrenergic receptor activity)

Question 23

Epinephrine

Answer 23

Acts directly on both the alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors
Primary vasoactive drug used in many advanced cardiac life support protocols
Inotropic (beta1), vasoconstrictor (alpha1), bronchodilator (beta2)
Used for anaphylaxis, bronchospasms, and cardiac arrest

Question 24

Norepinephrine (Levophed)

Answer 24

Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors and beta1
Causes vasoconstriction
Treatment of hypotension and shock

Question 25

Alpha-Adrenergic Adverse Effects

Answer 25

Palpitations, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, hypertension

Question 26

Beta-Adrenergic Adverse Effects

Answer 26

Increased heart rate, palpitations, fluctuations in blood pressure

Question 27

Nursing Interventions for All Vasoactive Drugs

Answer 27

Monitor IV site for infiltration/extravasation
Give through a LARGE vein
Antidote: phentolamine mesylate (Regitine)

Question 28

Interactions

Answer 28

Anesthetic drugs
Tricyclic antidepressants
MAOIs
Antihistamines
Thyroid preparations
Adrenergic antagonists