Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitters Flashcards
1
Q
What are the characteristics of Anticholinesterases?
A
Drugs in this category have:
- Variable selectivity: between NMJ and postganglionic parasympathetic junctions
- Variable CNS access
- Variable duration of action: short-acting; medium-duration; irreversible
2
Q
What are the therapeutic uses of Edrophonium
A
- short duration of action
- used in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
3
Q
What are the therapeutic uses of Neostigmine/Pyridostigmine
A
- used to reverse effect of (non-depolarising) neuromuscular blockers (see later)
- used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
4
Q
What are the therapeutic uses of Donepezil
A
- enters the CNS well
- used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
5
Q
What are some uses of anti-muscarinics?
A
Atropine
- reduce secretions and produce brochodilation (in anaesthesia)
- For certain types of bradycardia
- pupil dilation (for examination of the eye)
- AChE-inhibitor poisoning (organophosphates)
Hyoscine
- motion sickness
Ipratopium (inhaled)
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
6
Q
What are some drugs that are active at beta-adrenoceptors and give their uses?
A
Some drugs active at β- adrenoceptors and their uses:
- β1 & β2 adrenoceptors:
agonist: isoprenaline
antagonist: propanolol - β1 adrenoceptors (heart): increase HR and force of contraction
agonst: dobutamine (useful in heart failure)
antagonist: atenolol (useful in hypertension) - β2 adrenoceptors (smooth muscles): relation of bronchial smooth muscle
agonist: salbutamol (useful in asthma)
7
Q
What are some drugs that are active at alpha-adrenoceptors and give their uses?
A
Some drugs active at α- adrenoceptors and their uses:
- α1 (&α2) adrenoceptors
antagonist: phentolamine - α1 adrenoceptors (blood vessels): cause vasoconstriction
agonist: phenylephrine (useful as a nasal decongestant)
antagonist: prazosin (useful in hypertension)
