Adrenergics

Question 1

therapeutic uses of alpha-antagonists

Answer 1

1. treatment of hypertension 2. treatment of pheochromocytoma (can give b-blocker but only after a1 blocker) 3. treatment of Raynaud’s disease 4. treatment of heart failure 5. treatment of BPH 6. antidote to a-agonist vasoconstriction

Question 2

why do you give an a1 blocker before you give a b-blocker?

Answer 2

to balance out the blood pressure: a1 increase blood pressure and b2 decreases blood pressure. if you give a b2 blocker first, the BP will skyrocket. you need to first block a1 and then block b2 to balance out the BP

Question 3

pheochromocytoma

Answer 3

tumor of adrenal gland: secretes excess NE

Question 4

side effects/toxicity of a-antagonists

Answer 4

postural hypotension (reflex tachycardia, salt and water retention, peripheral edema, myocardial ischemia) GI stimulation (parasympathtic) inhibition of ejaculation (parasympathetic)

Question 5

Therapeutic uses of B-blockers

Answer 5

• Management of heart failure

• Reducing mortality after myocardial infarction

• Treatment of hypertension
• Treatment/prevention of cardiac arrhythmias
• Relief of angina
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism (propranolol)
• Treatment of anxiety (“stage fright”)
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Treatment of open-angle glaucoma

Question 6

angina

Answer 6

chest pain due to ischemia of the heart muscle

Question 7

side effects of b-blockers

Answer 7

• Bronchoconstriction
• Bradycardia
• Withdrawal: exacerbation of angina, risk of sudden death
• Fatigue
• Cold extremities
• Potential of epinephrine vasoconstriction
• Precipitation of congestive heart failure
• Possible predisposition toward new-onset diabetes