Drugs of the Sympathetic Nervous System Flashcards
Define sympathomimetic drug
A drug which mimics the effect of adrenergic sympathetic stimulation
Name 3 of the most important clinical uses for sympathomimetic drugs
- Bronchial asthma
- To increase blood pressure
- Constriction of blood vessels in mucosa
Name the 2 types of sympathomimetics, based on chemical structure
- Catecholamines
2. Non-catecholamines
Give 4 examples of Catecholamines
- NA
- Adrenaline
- Isoprenaline
- Dopamine
Give 4 examples of non-catecholamines
- Phenylephrine
- Ephedrine
- Phenyl-propanolamine
- Nafasoline
Which catecholamine is synthetic?
Isoprenaline
Which non-catecohlamines are synthetic?
All
Describe the chemical structure of catecholamines
Substitutions at the alpha, beta positions of the benzene ring and N-atom
Describe the chemical structure of non-catecholamines
No catechol nucleus
Substitutions at the alpha & beta C-atoms, Benzene ring or Terminal amino group
How are catecholamine administered?
Parenterally, sublingually or per aerosol
Too rapidly metabolised by liver if taken orally - 1st pass effect
How are non-catecholamines administered?
Orally
Compare the duration of action for catecholamines and non-catechlamines
Catecholamines - Brief (does not penetrate BBB)
Non-catecholamines - Long
Compare the direct vs indirect mechanism of action of sympathomimetics
Direct: - Directly activates receptor - At least 2 correct substitutions on para & meta positions of benzene ring as well as on beta C-atom (usually OH) - Indirect: - Release NA from vesicle stores - 1 or no substitution (not on benzene ring) <2 OH on ring decrease COMT CH3 on alpha C-atom decrease MOA - Longer acting - Can cause tachyphylaxis - Can be mixed: partially activates receptor & replacing NA
Define tachyphylaxis
A decreased response caused by exhaustion of NA stores
Describe the structure-activity relationship of sympathomimetics
Catecholamine do not stimulate all adrenergic receptors to the same degree.
- Depends on substitution on N-atom
eg. NA stimulates alpha receptors
Adrenaline stimulates alpha & beta receptors
Isoprenaline stimulates B receptors
- Also dose dependant
eg. NA can stimulate beta 1 receptors in high doses
Adrenaline 1st produce beta-effect, then alpha effect if
certain threshold is reached