Pharm Quiz 2 Study Guide
Adrenergic agonists: stimulate more than one of the adrenergic receptor sites
Adrenergic antagonists (adrenergic blockers): drugs that block the effects of adrenergic
neurotransmitters, block alpha and beta receptor sites
Adrenergic: drugs that stimulate the sympathetic (fight or flight response) nervous system are
called adrenergic agonists. sympathetic nervous system aka “adrenergic system”.
1. Epinephrine (adrenaline)
- A hormone and a medication, but we are focusing on the medication form
- Treat life threatening allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
- Use in emergency situations
- Alpha (1) and Beta (1 and 2) Adrenergic agonist, also called “sympathomimetic”
- IM or IV usually 0.1-0.3 mg
- Mode of action: induces increased vascular smooth muscle contraction, increases heart
rate
- Pharmacokinetics: acts rapidly because its IV or IM, inactivated in GI tract, half life: <5
min (really quick)
- Side effects: restlessness, tremor, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, pulmonary edema
2. Albuterol
- Beta 1 adrenergic agonist
- Mode of action: activates only beta 2 adrenergic receptors, so response is relaxation of
bronchial smooth muscle and bronchodilation
- Side effects: tachycardia, palpitations, dysrhthymia, tremors, headache, nervousness
- PO oral inhalation usually 32 mg per day
- Treat or prevent bronchospasm
3. Atenolol
- Beta 1 blocker, by blocking these receptors atenolol decreases the heart rate
- decreases sympathetic outflow to the periphery
- treats hypertension, angina
- contraindicted in bradycardia, acute heart failure
- half life: 6-7 hours
- 50% absorbed in GI tract
- tablets and IV: max 100 mg / day
- side effects: bradycardia, tachycardia, heart failure, bronchospasm,
Cholinergic: drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system
4. Bethanechol
- Treats urinary retention
- Promotes contraction of the bladder
- Half life: unkown
- PO 200 mg/day max typical does 5-10 mg
5. Atropine
- Anticholinergic
-
Useful primarily as an agent to increase heart rate when bradycardia is present
Also can be used when someone overdoses on Bethanechol
IV: 0.5mg- 1mg per dose
Half life: 2-4 hours
6. Benztropine
Anticholinergic agent
Treats parkinsonism
PO/IM/IV: 0.5-6 mg per dose, 8 mg daily max
Half life: unknown
7. Tolterodine Tartrate
Anticholinergic, blocks cholinergic receptors
PO: 1-4 mg per dose , max 4 mg daily
Decreases urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence
Half life: 2-4 hours
Page 186 in your text addresses Bethanechol – it is Bethanechol chloride.
I would review the information in your text that covers the prototype – such as Page 187
Prototye Drug chart 16.1
This covers a lot of information needed.
Other help for studying – the purple boxes that cover more information – such as page 188
Table 16.2 – Effects of Cholinergic Agonists.
I hope this helps.
Professor Caflisch