Nicholas Morris
A&P I
5/8/23
Effects of Drugs on The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system can be separated into two branches: the sympathetic and
the parasympathetic nervous systems. These two systems have opposite effects on many of the
body's functions. Sympathetic responses are typically associated with the "fight or flight"
response, while parasympathetic responses are associated with resting and digesting.
Out of many drugs, these three can affect the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. The
three of these drugs are Ipratropium Bromide, Belladonna and Albuterol.
Ipratropium Bromide, Belladonna and Albuterol are drugs that are commonly used to
treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other
breathing problems. These drugs act on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems,
which are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that control many functions
of the human body. The effects of these drugs on the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses
can vary depending on the drug and the dosage that's used.
Ipratropium Bromide is a medication that is used to treat respiratory conditions such as
COPD and asthma (1). It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, which is a
neurotransmitter that is released by the parasympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine is
responsible for causing smooth muscle contraction in the airways, leading to
bronchoconstriction. When Ipratropium Bromide blocks the action of acetylcholine, it leads to
the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways, resulting in increased airflow (2).
Belladonna is a drug that contains atropine, which is an anticholinergic medication. It
works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the
parasympathetic response. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the resting and
digesting response, which helps to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis (3). When the
parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it decreases heart rate and blood pressure and limits
the airways. By blocking the action of acetylcholine, Belladonna holds back the parasympathetic
response and allows the sympathetic response to take over (4). This can cause side effects such
as dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention, which are sympathetic responses.
Albuterol is a medication commonly used to treat asthma and COPD. It is a beta-2
agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, which ends up improving
breathing. Albuterol stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the
"fight or flight" response (5). This response increases heart rate and blood pressure and dilates
the airways to improve the intake of oxygen. Albuterol binds to beta-2 receptors located in the
lungs, which triggers the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This results in the
relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways, which leads to bronchodilation and improved
breathing (5). Albuterol can also cause side effects though, such as tremors, palpitations, and
increased heart rate, which are also sympathetic responses.
In conclusion Ipratropium Bromide, Belladonna and Albuterol are drugs commonly used
to treat respiratory conditions. Ipratropium bromide hinders the parasympathetic response, which
results in bronchodilation and improved breathing but can also cause side effects such as dry
mouth and constipation. Belladonna holds back the parasympathetic response and allows the
sympathetic response to gain control, which can cause side effects such as dry mouth and blurred
vision. Albuterol stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to bronchodilation and
improved breathing (6). The effects of these drugs on the sympathetic and parasympathetic
responses can vary depending on the drug and the dosage used which is why it is important to do
your research and know just how much is needed for your body.
Work Cited:
1. “Anatomy and Physiology, Regulation, Integration, and Control, the Autonomic Nervous
System.” OERTX Repository,
oertx.highered.texas.gov/courseware/lesson/2206/overview.
2. “Belladonna.” Go.drugbank.com, go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB13913.
3. DrugBank. “Ipratropium.” Go.drugbank.com, 2022, go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00332.
4. “Drugs & Medications.” Www.webmd.com,
www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6291-4304/ipratropium-albuterol-inhalation/ipratropiumalbuterol-salbutamol-solution-inhalation/details.
5. Rn), Open Resources for Nursing (Open. “4.2 Autonomic Nervous System Basics.”
Wtcs.pressbooks.pub, 2020, wtcs.pressbooks.pub/pharmacology/chapter/4-2-ans-basics/.
6. Saab, Hussien, and Ayham Aboeed. “Ipratropium.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544261/.