Autonomic Drug List (Exam I)

Question 1

Pyridostigmine

Answer 1

Reversible AChE Inhibitor
Uses: Tx of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension; tx of myasthenia gravis
Toxicity: respiratory depression; bradycardia; lacrimation; diarrhea

Question 2

Atropine

Answer 2

Non-selective muscarinic antagonist
Uses: Reversal of vagal bradycardia; antidote for cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity
Toxicity: tachycardia

Question 3

Clonidine

Answer 3

Selective agonist at alpha2 receptors in CNS (results in decreased sympathetic outflow)
Uses: Hypertension
Toxicities: Postural (orthostatic) hypotension; bradycardia; sedation; dry mouth

Question 4

Dobutamine

Answer 4

Beta-1 selective agonist
Uses: Increase cardiac output in acute heart failure; stress testing
Toxicities: Tachycardia

Question 5

Dopamine

Answer 5

Dopamine agonist (also alpha + beta agonist)
Uses: Shock; sometimes heart failure
Toxicities: Tachycardia; vasoconstriction; local necrosis

Question 6

Epinephrine

Answer 6

Adrenergic agonist
Uses: Emergency tx of cardiac arrest; anaphylaxis
Toxicities: Arrhythmia; local necrosis

Question 7

Isoproterenol

Answer 7

Non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist
Uses: bradycardia (limited use)
Toxicities: Tachycardia; hypotension

Question 8

Methyldopa

Answer 8

Converted to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which acts as a selective agonist at alpha2 receptors in CNS (results in decreased sympathetic outflow)
Uses: Limited use as antihypertensive in pregnancy
Toxicities: Postural hypotension; bradycardia; sedation; dry mouth

Question 9

Midodrine

Answer 9

Alpha-1 selective agonist
Uses: Chronic orthostatic hypotension
Toxicities: Hypertension; bradycarida

Question 10

Norepinephrine

Answer 10

Adrenergic agonist
Uses: Restoration of BP in acute hypotensive states
Toxicities: Arrhythmia; extravasation necrosis

Question 11

Phenylephrine

Answer 11

Alpha adrenergic agonist
Uses: Test of baroreflex; short-term vasoconstriction; decongestant
Toxicities: Hypertension; bradycardia

Question 12

Carvedilol

Answer 12

Antagonist at alpha-1 and beta receptors (biased agonist at beta-1 receptor)
Uses: Hypertension; heart failure
Toxicities: Bradycardia; bronchoconstriction

Question 13

Doxazosin

Answer 13

Alpha-1 selective antagonist
Uses: Benign prostatic hyperplasia; hypertension (rare)
Toxicities: Orthostatic hypotension

Question 14

Labetalol

Answer 14

Antagonist at alpha-1 and beta receptors
Uses: Hypertension
Toxicities: Bradycardia; bronchoconstriction

Question 15

Metoprolol

Answer 15

Beta-1 selective antagonist
Uses: Hypertension; heart failure
Toxicities: Bradycardia; bronchoconstriction

Question 16

Phentolamine

Answer 16

Non-selective alpha adrenergic antagonist
Uses: Tx of extravasation of adrenergic agonists
Toxicities: Orthostatic hypotension; tachycardia; nasal congestion

Question 17

Phenoxybenzamine

Answer 17

Non-selective covalent alpha antagonist (long-acting)
Uses: Pheochromocytoma
Toxicities: Orthostatic hypotension; tachycardia; nasal congestion

Question 18

Propranolol

Answer 18

Non-selective beta adrenergic receptor antagonist
Uses: Angina; arrhythmias; tremor; stage fright; migraine; hypertension
Toxicities: Bradycardia; bronchoconstriction