Epinephrine and Dopamine. Flashcards
What are the 6 major therapeutic uses of epinephrine?
It relieves respiratory distress caused by bronchospasm.
It relieves hypotension.
It relieves cardiac arrest or AV block.
Relieves hypersensitivity reactions.
Prolongs the actions of local anaesthetics.
It can be used as a topical haemostatic agent.
Is epinephrine used to treat allergies?
Yes.
Why is epinephrine used as a topical haemostatic agent?
As it stops bleeding.
What are the 5 adverse effects of epinephrine?
Anxiety.
Headaches.
Hypertension.
Respiratory difficulty.
Cardiac arrythymias.
Why should epinephrine not be given to pregnant women?
As it induces contraction of the uterus.
The side effects of epinephrine can be enhanced if a patient is given what other drugs?
Halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthetics.
Dopamine is the precursor of what 2 hormones?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Dopamine is found in the receptors of what kind of muscle?
Skeletal muscle.
Dopamine is always metabolised by what 2 enzymes?
Mono-amine oxidase.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase.
What 3 effects will low concentrations of dopamine have on the renal vasculature?
Increased renal blood flow.
Increased GFR.
Increased sodium secretion.
Under what conditions is dopamine given to patients?
Cardiogenic shock.
Hypovolemic shock.
What effect will high doses of dopamine have on B-1 receptors?
It will release norepinephrine from nerve terminals and increase heart rate.
What effect will maximum doses of dopamine have on the blood vessels?
It will bind to alpha-1 receptors and cause vasoconstriction.
Why does dopamine help to treat shock?
As blood flow around the body is improved.
How do we usually administer dopamine?
Intravenously.
