adrenergic drugs Flashcards
Drugs that mimic the activity of these sympathetic neurotransmitters are called
Adrenergic Drugs or
Sympathomimetic drugs
Adrenergic Blocking Drugs
- Inhibit release of neurotransmitter
- Block stimulation of receptors
\_\_\_ drugs mimic activity of parasympathetic nervous system Also call \_\_\_\_\_\_ drugs Two neurohormones: Acetylcholine (Ach) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
cholinergic; parasympathomimetic
- Acetylcholine (Ach)
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
secreted by adrenal medulla
epinephrine
nerve endings of sympathetic fibers
norepinephrine
neurohormones
Released at nerve endings that facilitate transmission of nerve impulses
After _____ is released, it crosses ____
Then binds with receptors in the __________.
neurotransmitter; synapse; cell membrane of the postsynaptic nerve.
Mimic activity of sympathetic nervous system
–The effects will be similar to the effects of stimulation of sympathetic nervous system
adrenergic drugs
CNS
wakefulness, quickened reflexes
PNS
- Relaxation of smooth muscles of bronchi
- Constriction of blood vessels, sphincter of stomach
- Dilatation of coronary blood vessels
- Decrease in gastric motility
- Heart = increase in rate
- Increase use of glucose
adrenergic nerve receptors
alpha or beta receptors
adrenergic receptors: A
vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels
adrenergic receptors: B1
increase heart rate and force of contraction
adrenergic receptors: B2
Bronchodilate, vasodilate (coronary arteries), decrease tone, motility and secretions of GI tract
uses of adrenergic drugs
- Moderately severe to severe hypotension
- Control superficial bleeding during surgical or dental procedures
- Bronchial Asthma
- Cardiac Arrest
- Allergic Reactions
- Prolong local anesthetics
Adrenergic drugs
- dobutamine
- dopamine
- epinephrine (EpiPen)
- isoproterenol (Isuprel)
- phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
- norepinephrine (Levophed)
adverse reactions of adrenergic drugs
- -Tachycardia or bradycardia
- Arrythmias
- Headache, insomnia, nervousness
- hypertension
nursing process for adrenergic drugs
- Assess Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and rhythm prior to medicating
- Assess response to the medication
- May need to assess for s/s of shock
- Be aware of possible orthostatic hypotension
- Some meds to treat hypotension (vasopressors) are very powerful and require infusion pumps and close monitoring of the patient
- May need to monitor BP and pulse every 5 to 15 minutes
- Dosage adjusted to patient’s response to the medication
- Patient may be on monitor for cardiac monitoring.
- Pt may experience anorexia and insomnia.
pt teaching for nasal decongestants
- Stick with dose prescribed
- Risk for rebound congestion
pt teaching for bronchodilator
- Do not add OTC drugs
- Report adverse effects
- Report if no relief from symptoms
- Block a-adrenergic receptors
- Effect on receptors that control vascular system
Alpha adrenergic blocking drugs
- Block B adrenergic receptors
- Primarily receptors of heart
Beta adrenergic blocking drugs
stimulation of a-adrenergic fibers
-vasoconstriction
if a-adrenergic fibers are blocked
-vasodilation
B receptors found mainly:
in the heart
stimulation of B receptors
increase in HR
if B receptors are blocked
HR decreases
examples of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
- atenolol (Tenormin)
examples of alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs
phentolamine (Regitine)
antiadrenergic drugs; PNS
-inhibits release of Norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve endings in the PNS
Example = Guanethedine
antiadrenergic drugs; CNS
-act on CNS centers, decreasing activity of sympathetic nervous system
Example = Caterers
For vasodilating effect on peripheral blood vessels = will lower blood pressure in conditions of hypertension due to pheochromocytoma (tumor of adrenal gland that will result in increase production of epinephrine which is vasoconstrictive in nature and thus contributes to hypertensive condition)
phentolamine (Regitine)
B-adrenergic blocking drug uses:
- HTN
- ventricular cardiac arrhythmia’s
- topically (Timoptic) to treat glaucoma to relieve pressure
uses of antiadrenergic drugs
- certain arrhythmias
- HTN
- benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Adverse reactions: A-Adrenergic Blockers
- Cardiac arrythmias
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
Adverse reactions: B-Adrenergic Blockers
- Bradycardia
- Dizziness, vertigo,
- Bronchospasm (with hx of Asthma)
- Congestive Heart Failure (more serious)
Adverse reactions: Antiadrenergic
- Hypotension, lightheadedness, bradycardia
- Drowsiness, malaise, weakness, dry mouth
Patients receiving adrenergic blocking drugs for cardiac arrhythmias require
special monitoring
- IV meds
- cardiac monitoring
- BP and Pulse
If a significant decrease in the blood pressure occurs after a dose of an adrenergic blocking drug,
the nurse should withhold the drug and notify the primary care provider immediately.
To decrease risk of injury related to orthostatic hypotension
- Patient should rise slowly from lying position
- Sit at side of bed for one minute before standing
- Ask for assistance to stand or ambulate
- Avoid standing in one place for long periods (not problem in hospital)
- Avoid hot showers (increases vasodilation)
patient education
- Do not stop taking the drug abruptly
- Notify provider of adverse drug reactions
- Caution when driving: drugs may cause dizziness, drowsiness
- Report s/s of CHF: dyspnea, edema of extremities; weight gain
- Keep appointments
- Inform other Providers of Meds being taken
