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Pharmacy Certification > Alpha and Beta Receptors > Flashcards

Alpha and Beta Receptors Flashcards

1
Q

What are alpha and beta receptors?

A

Alpha and beta receptors are involved in regulating the cardiovascular system. Alpha1 (constricts) and Alpha2 (relaxes) receptors regulate blood pressure via constriction and relaxation of blood vessels. Beta receptors (raises bp) regulate chronotropy/inotrpy which affects blood pressure and airway dilation/constriction.

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2
Q

Background information of Alpha1 receptors antagonists (alpha1 blockers)

A

Activation of alpha1 receptors causes blood vessels to constrict leading to high bp

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3
Q

Pharmacology of Alpha1 receptor antagonists (alpha1 blockers)

A

Prevent the activation of alpha1 receptors, leading to the relaxation of blood vessels. These drugs also relax muscles in the bladder neck and prostate

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4
Q

Indications of Alpha1 receptor antagonists (alpha1 blockers)

A
  • Hypertension
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (prostate gland larger than usual)
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5
Q

Side effects of Alpha1 receptor antagonists (alpha1 blockers)

A
  • Orthostatic hypotension (bp drops from sitting to standing
  • Dizziness
  • Syncope (fainting)
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6
Q

Drug interactions of Alpha1 receptor antagonists (alpha1 blockers)

A
  • Increased risk of hypotension when used with other blood pressure-lowering drugs
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7
Q

What causes anaphylaxis?

A

A severe allergy reaction causes anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, people may reach dangerously low bp. Epinephrine is used to constrict blood vessels to increase bp by affecting both alpha and beta receptors

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8
Q

What do the generic names of Alpha blocks end with?

A

“-osin”

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9
Q

Background information of Alpha2 receptor agonists (alpha2 agonists)

A

Alpha2 receptors prevent too much norepinephrine from being released into the bloodstream

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10
Q

Pharmacology of Alpha2 receptor agonists (alpha2 agonists)

A

Activation of alpha2 receptors decreases norepinephrine levels to lower bp

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11
Q

Indications of Alpha2 receptor agonists (alpha2 agonists)

A
  • Hypertension
  • ADHD
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12
Q

Side effects of Alpha2 receptor agonists (alpha2 agonists)

A
  • Bradycardia (slower beating heart)
  • Hypotension (low bp)
  • Drowsiness
  • Rebound hypertension
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13
Q

Drug interactions of alpha2 receptor agonists (alpha2 agonists)

A
  • Increased risk of hypotension when used with other drugs that decrease blood pressure
  • Increased risk of bradycardia when used with drugs that decrease heart rate
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14
Q

What is the safe drug of choice for pregnant women with hypertension?

A

Aldomet (methyldopa)

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15
Q

Background information of beta receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

A

Beta-receptor activation increases the heart rate, increases the force of the heartbeat, and dilates the airways in the lungs

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16
Q

Pharmacology of beta receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

A

Prevents the activation of beta receptors to reduce the heart rate, reduce the force of the heartbeat, and relax blood vessels

17
Q

Indications of beta receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

A
  • Hypertension
  • Angina (chest pain due to lack of blood)
  • Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat in the atria)
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Migraine prevention
18
Q

Side effects of beta receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

A
  • Bradycardia
  • Exacerbation of asthma or COPD
  • Hypotension
  • Fatigue
19
Q

Drug interactions of beta receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

A
  • Certain beta-blockers can interfere with the effect of some asthma medication (same target receptor)
  • Risk of hypotension when taken with other blood-lowering medications
20
Q

What would happen if a patient suddenly stopped taking beta blockers?

A

Sudden cease usage of beta blockers can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that may cause a heart attack

21
Q

What do generic names of beta blockers end with?

A

“-olol”

22
Q

Background information of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

A

The muscle tissue that forms the heart and lines the blood vessels uses calcium for effective contraction

23
Q

Pharmacology of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

A

Reduces the amount of calcium available to cardiac and vascular muscle cells. With less calcium, the heart beats with less force and blood vessels relax leading to low bp

24
Q

Indications of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

A
  • Hypertension
  • Angina (chest discomfort due to lack of blood and oxygen)
25
Q

Side effects of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

A
  • Headache (#1 side effect)
  • Fatigue
  • Edema (swelling caused by buildup of fluid in tissue)
26
Q

Drug interactions of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

A
  • Risk of hypotension increases when taken with other drugs that lower blood pressure
27
Q

What type of juice should patients avoid if they take Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)?

A

Grapefruit juice

Pharmacy Certification (27 decks)

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