Sympathomimetics Flashcards
What are medical uses of sympathomimetics?
Bronchodilation Nasal decongestion Relieve acute hypersensitivity reactions Raise BP Relieve adrenergic insufficiency Stimulate heart
Sympathomimetics as bronchodilators
B2 stimulants used to relieve bronchoconstriction in COPD
Receptors involved
- -B2
- -alpha 1
- -B1 action
- –side effect
Sympathetic bronchodilators can be used to ..
diagnose the cause of airway constriction
may be due to inflammation or bronchiolar spasm
B2 stimulants act in seconds
Which adrenergic receptors does epinephrine work on?
alpha 1
beta 1
beta 2
Which adrenergic receptors does albuterol work on?
beta 2
Which adrenergic receptors does metaprotere nol work on?
beta 2
Which adrenergic receptors does almeterol work on?
beta 2
Aside from just bronchodilating, what do bronchodilators do?
Increase ciliary activity
Inhibit histamine and leukotriene release
(leukotrienes are powerful bronchoconstrictors)
Why are Beta2 agonists drugs of choice?
- Most effective bronchodilators
- Tolerance with continued use overcome by increasing dose, usually
- Receptor down-regulation prevented or even partly reversed with corticosteroids
What are precautions for using adrenergic bronchodilators?
- -“benign essential tremor” due to B2 stimulation
- -feelings of anxiety may limit use
- -increases blood sugar
- -a1 and b2 receptors mobilize liver glycogen
- -dry pharyngeal membranes
- -problem with epinephrine (vasoconstriction)
Sympathomimetics as nasal decongestants
–MOA
alpha 1 agonists constrict dilated blood vessels and relieve nasal stuffiness and headache
Examples of sympathomimetics used as nasal decogestants
Phenylephrine
–P.O. as nose drops or nasal spray
Pseudophedrine
- -Still “widely available”
- -CNS stimulant
Oxymetazoline
–Long duration
Adverse reactions to nasal decongestants
Transient burning
Rebound congestion
Chemical rhinitis
CNS depression, hypotensio (imidazoline effect)
Adrenergics in acute hypersensitivity
May involve foods, pollon, drugs, animals
B2 stimulants inhibit antigen-indcued histamine release
Epinephrine used
Sympathomimetics are used in hypotension. Why is this important?
Necessity for “pressor” effect
- -below 40 mm Hg diastolic or 50 mm Hg systolic
- –critical decrease in flow to heart, brain, and also gut, liver, kidney
Need to bring the pressure back up!