Sedatives (Yr2) Flashcards
what are the four main classes of sedatives?
alpha-2 agonists
phenothiazines
butyrophenones
benzodiazepines
what is the endogenous neurotransmitter that binds to alpha-2 receptors?
noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
what is the overall effect of alpha 2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system?
sympathomimetic (vasoconstriction…)
what is the overall effect of alpha-2 receptors in the CNS?
sympatholytic (sedation…)
what are the common alpha-2 agonists?
xylazine
detomidine
romifidine
medetomidine
dexmedetomidine
what are the main beneficial effects of alpha-2 agonists?
sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation (anaesthetic sparing)
what are the side effects of alpha-2 agonists?
vasoconstriction (causing a reflex bradycardia)
diuresis, hyperglycaemia, sweating
what can be used to antagonise the alpha-2 agonists?
atipamazole
what is the main phenothiazine used in veterinary medicine?
acepromazine
what are the mechanisms by which acepromazine works by?
alpha-1 antagonist (vasodilation)
dopamine-2 antagonist (sedation, muscle relaxation)
what are the main beneficial effects of acepromazine?
sedation (less predictable)
muscle relaxation
anti-emetic
anti-histamine
(long-lasting)
what are the main side effects of acepromazine?
vasodilation
syncope
anti-histamine
(no analgesia or antagonist)
what is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
endogenous neurotransmitter that binds to GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter)
what are the main benzodiazepines?
diazepam
midazolam
what are the main beneficial effects of benzodiazepines?
sedation
muscle relaxation
(minimal CV/respiratory effects)
