Exam 2 Review Flashcards
Ganglionic synapse
A synapse outside of the CNS
Preganglionic neurons
nerves carrying impulses exiting the spinal cord
Postganglionic neurons
Nerves on the other side of the ganglionic synapse, waiting to receive impulses
What are the two primary neurotransmitters of the ANS?
Acetylcholine (Ach) and norepinephrine (NE)
Two types of cholinergic nerves
Nicotinic receptors and muscarinic receptors
Nicotinic receptors
Receptors located at the ganglionic synapse in both the parasympathetic and sympathetic NS. Nicotine binds to these receptors
Muscarinic receptors
Receptors are located on target tissues affected by postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic nervous system. Muscarine (a substance obtained by poisonous mushrooms), binds to these receptors
Activation of cholinergic receptors causes which physiological reactions
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Increased tone and motility in the digestive tract
What two classes of drugs stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system
Cholinergic
Parasympathomimetics
What two classes of drugs inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system
Cholinergic blocking
Anticholinergic
Parasympathomimetics
Drugs that mimic action of the parasympathetic nervous system. Induce the rest-and-digest response
Which neurotransmitter is a parasympathomimetic
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) therapeutic class
Nonobstructive urinary retention drug
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) Pharmacologic class
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor drug
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) common indications and uses
Nonobstructive urinary retention in patients with atony (lack of muscle tone) of the bladder
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) mechanism of action
Direct-acting parasympathomimetic that interacts with muscarinic receptors to cause actions typical of parasympathetic stimulation
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) effects
Most noted in the digestive and urinary tracts, where it stimulates smooth-muscle contraction.
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) administration standards
PO
Subcutaneous
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) adverse effects
Increased salivation
Sweating
Abdominal cramping
Hypotension
Prototype drug Bethanechol (Urecholine) contraindications
Patients with asthma epilepsy parkinsonism hyperthyroidism peptic ulcer disease bradycardia
Cholinergic crisis
may develop when given too much cholinergic medication. Signs include: hypersalivation, small pupils, muscle twitching, unusual paleness, sweating muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) therapeutic class
Antidote for anticholinergic toxicity
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) Pharmacologic class
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) mechanism of action
Indirect-acting parasympathomimetic that inhibits the destruction of Ach by AchE. Effects occur at the neuromuscular junction and at central and peripheral locations where Ach is the neurotransmitter.
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) indications
Reverses toxic and life-threatening delirium caused by atropine, diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), or jimson weed.
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) administration alerts
Administer slowly over 5 minutes to avoid seizures and respiratory distress.
Never to be continuously infused
Monitor BP, pulse, respirations
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) adverse effects
Bradycardia Asystole Restlessness Nervousness Seizures Salivation Urinary frequency Muscle twitching Respiratory paralysis
Prototype drug Physostigmine (Antilirium) Contraindications
Asthma Epilepsy Diabetes Cardiovascular disease Bradycardia
Cholinergic-blocking drugs
Inhibit parasympathetic impulses. Suppressing the parasympathetic division induces symptoms of the fight or flight response
Drugs that block the action of Ach
Anticholinergics
Cholinergic blockers
Muscarinic antagonists
Parasympatholytics
Therapeutic uses of anticholinergics
GI disorders Ophthalmic procedures Cardiac rhythm abnormalities Anesthesia adjuncts Asthma and COPD Overactive bladder Parkinson's disease
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) therapeutic class
Antidote for anticholinesterase poisoning
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) Pharmacologic class
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor blocker
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) mechanism of action
Occupies muscarinic receptors and blocks the parasympathetic actions of Ach and induces symptoms of the fight-or-flight response
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) indications
Hypermotility diseases of the GI tract such as irritable bowel syndrome
To suppress secretions during surgical procedures
To increase the heart rate in patients with bradycardia
To dilate the pupil during eye examinations
Reflexive bradycardia in infants
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) adverse effects
Dry mouth Constipation Urinary retention Increased heart rate Initial CNS excitement may progress to delirium and coma
Prototype drug Atropine (Atro-pen) contraindications
glaucoma, because the drug may increase pressure within the eye. Obstructive disorders of the GI tract Paralytic ileus Bladder neck obstruction Benign prostatic hyperplasia Myasthenia gravis Cardiac insufficiency Acute hemorrhage
Catecholamines
Class of agents secreted in response to stress that include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
Adrenergic
relating to nerves that release norepinephrine or epinephrine
What are the two basic types of adrenergic receptors
alpha and beta receptors
Primary location and response when NE binds with the adrenergic Alpha1 receptor
All sympathetic target organs except the heart.
Constriction of blood vessels and dilation of pupils
Primary location and response when NE binds with the adrenergic Alpha2 receptor
Presynaptic adrenergic nerve terminals
Inhibition of release of NE
Primary location and response when NE binds with the adrenergic Beta1 receptor
Heart and kidneys
Increased heart rate and force of contraction, release of renin
Primary location and response when NE binds with the adrenergic Beta2 receptor
All sympathetic target organs except the heart
Inhibition of smooth muscle
Primary location and response when NE binds with the adrenergic Beta3 receptor
Adipose tissue and urinary bladder.
Lipolysis and relaxation of the detrusor muscle.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Enzyme that destroys norepinephrine in the nerve terminal
Catecholamine-O-methyl transferase (COMT)
Destroys NE at the synaptic cleft
Site most responsible for the release of epinephrine
Adrenal gland
Adrenergic drugs
Adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics. Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and induce symptoms characteristic of the fight-or-flight response
Adrenergic Alpha1 receptor therapeutic uses
Treatment of nasal congestion or hypotension; causes dilation of the pupil during ophthalmic examinations
Adrenergic Alpha2 receptor therapeutic uses
Treatment of hypertension through a centrally acting mechanism.
Reduce the release of NE within the axon terminal
Adrenergic Beta2 receptor therapeutic uses
Treatment of asthma and premature labor contractions
Adrenergic Beta3 receptor therapeutic uses
Treatment of overactive bladder
Adrenergic antagonists (sympatholytics)
drugs that act by directly blocking adrenergic receptors. Specific to either alpha or beta blockade.
What is the most common adverse effect of alpha blockers
Orthostatic hypotension
Pheochromocytoma
A rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor on the adrenal gland that may precipitate life-threatening hypertension.
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) therapeutic class
Nasal decongestant
mydriatic drug
antihypotensive
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) pharmacologic class
Adrenergic drug (sympathomimetic)
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) mechanism of action
Selective alpha-adrenergic agonist. Sympathetic stimulation
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) adverse effects
Side effects uncommon when used topically or intranasally.
Intranasal use: burning of the mucosa and rebound congestion if used for prolonged periods.
Ophthalmic: narrow-angle glaucoma
Reflex bradycardia
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) black box warning
Severe reactions, including death, may occur with IV infusion even when appropriate dilution is used to avoid rapid diffusion. Therefore IV use for situations in which other routes are not feasible.
Prototype drug Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) contraindications
Acute pancreatitis
Heart disease
Hepatitis
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Beta-adrenergic antagonists block what type of receptors?
Either beta1, beta2, or both
Effects of Beta-adrenergic antagonists on the cardiovascular system
Decrease the rate and force of contraction of the heart and slow electrical conduction through the AV node.
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) therapeutic class
Antihypertensive
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) pharmacologic class
Adrenergic-blocking drug
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) mechanism of action
Selective alpha-adrenergic antagonist that competes with NE at its receptors on vascular smooth muscle in arterioles and veins.
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) effects
Major action is a rapid decrease in peripheral resistance that reduces blood pressure.
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) indications
Hypertension
Prototype drug Prazosin (Minipress) adverse effects
Orthostatic hyptotension due to alpha1 inhibition in vascular smooth muscle. Dizziness Drowsiness Reflex tachycardia Nasal congestion Inhibition of ejaculation
Structures of the upper respiratory tract
Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and paranasal sinuses.
What are the effects of sympathetic NS activation on the upper respiratory system?
Constricts arterioles in the nose, reducing thickness of the mucosal layer.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to exposure to allergens.
Immediate hypersensitivity response
Histamine response and other inflammatory mediators from the mast cells and basophils, producing sneezing, itchy nasal membranes and watery eyes.
Delayed hypersensitivity response
Occurs 4-8 hours after initial exposure, causing continuous inflammation of the mucosa and adding to the chronic nasal congestion
H1-Receptor antagonists
Antihistamines
Block the actions of histamine at the H1 receptor.
Widely used OTC remedies for relief of allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and insomnia.
H1 receptors
Histamine receptors responsible for allergic symptoms
H2 receptors
Found in the gastric mucosa and responsible for peptic ulcers
When are antihistamines most effective?
When taken prophylactically to PREVENT allergic symptoms. Effectiveness in reversing allergic symptoms is limited
In addition to allergic rhinitis, what other disorders are treated with antihistamines
Vertigo and motion sickness
Parkinson’s disease
Insomnia
Urticaria and other skin rashes
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) therapeutic class
Drug to treat allergies
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) pharmacologic class
H1-receptor antagonist; antihistamine
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) indications
Minor symptoms of allergies and common cold Rashes Parkinson's disease Motion sickness Insomnia
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) administration alerts
Increased risk of anaphylactic shock when administered parenterally
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) adverse effects
Drowsiness
Occasionally, paradoxical CNS stimulation and excitability
Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, tachycardia and mild hypotension
Photosensitivity
Prototype drug Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug benign prostatic hypertrophy narrow-angle glaucoma GI obstruction Use cautiously in patients with asthma or hyperthyroidism