Adrenergic Drugs
TERMS
□ epinephrine (Adrenalin)
□ phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
□ isoproterenol (Isuprel)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
The adrenergic drugs are able to imitate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. They are also called sympathomimetic drugs and have a wide spectrum of use. These drugs are able to stimulate various adrenergic receptor sites. The drugs that stimulate both alpha and beta sites are called nonselective adrenergic agonists, while the ones that stimulate alpha sites are called alpha adrenergic agonists, and the ones that stimulate beta sites are called beta adrenergic agonists. The reader should note that the majority of beta adrenergic agonists are used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, and these are covered in Part IV: Respiratory System Drugs.
Table 28-1 Adrenergic Drugs | ||||||||||||
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ADRENERGIC DRUGS CLIENT TEACHINGNonselective Adrenergic Agonists
Do not breast-feed.
Nasal formulation can burn.
Ophthalmic preparation should be given at bedtime and may burn.
Report drug tolerance to physician.
If allergic reaction to ophthalmic formulation occurs, stop drug and report to physician.
Nasal formulation can burn.Alpha Adrenergic Agonists
Ophthalmic preparation may burn and may stain contact lenses.
Contact physician if no improvement in 5 days.
Wear sunglasses for pupil dilation.
Do not breast-feed.
Report systemic effects to physician.
Ophthalmic preparation may burn and may stain contact lenses.
Contact physician if no improvement in 5 days.Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Do not breast-feed.
Sputum and saliva may turn pink.
Drug should be taken exactly as ordered.
Refer to Part IV: Respiratory System Drugs.
Sputum and saliva may turn pink.
ACTIONNonselective Adrenergic Agonists
Work on both alpha and beta receptor sites throughout the body. Through stimulation of these sites, the following occurs: pupil and bronchial dilation, increased perspiration, strengthening of cardiac contraction, elevated heart rate, breakdown of glucose, elevation of systolic blood pressure, decreased intraocular pressure, and increased respirations.
Alpha Adrenergic Agonists
Stimulate alpha receptors but main action is in the vascular system where vasoconstriction is produced.
Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Act on beta1 and beta2 receptors. Results of beta1 stimulation are elevated heart rate and contractility and beta2 stimulation is vasodilation.
Refer to Part IV: Respiratory System Drugs.
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