Look at First Slide of Chapter 17!!

on Adrenergic Drugs

A LOT OF INFO. ON THIS SLIDE!!

What are indications for use for

Adrenergic Drugs

Clinical indications for use is based on their effects on the heart, BVs, and bronchi

Uses of Adrenergic Drugs include:

cardiac arrest, shock, asthma,

severe bradycardia, allergic disorders,

relaxation of uterine musculature,

inhibition of contractions in preterm labor

Contraindications to use 

Adrenergic Drugs

cardiac dysrhythmias,

angina,

Hypertension (fast, irregular),

hyperthyroidism,

cerebrovascular disease

Adrenergic Drugs: Individual Medications 

Epinephrine- PROTOTYPE for Adrenergic Drugs

• Stimulates alpha1 and all beta receptors
• Adrenergic drug of choice for relieving acute bronchospasm & laryngeal edema of anaphylactic shock
• used in cardiac arrest as cardiac stimulant
• Must be given IV, IM, or SubQ

Adrenergic Drugs: Individual Medications

Ephedrine

• Mixed acting stimulates alpha1 and beta receptors,causes release of norepinephrine
• Less potent but LONGER ACTING than epinephrine
• Produces more CNS stimulation than other adrenergic drugs (preventative maintenance)

Adrenergic Drugs: Individual Medications 

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

• Stimulates Alpha1 and Beta receptors 
• Used as bronchodilator and nasal decongestant (helps open up airway to breathe more easily)
• Stored behind the counter, pt. must sign for purchase

Adrenergic Drugs: Individual Medications

Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

• Synthetic catecholamine acts on Beta1 and Beta2 adrenergic receptors, stimulates heart, dilates blood vessels in skeletal muscle and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle (no vasoconstriction, speeds up heart)

Adrenergic Drugs: Individual Medications 

Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)

• Acts on Alpha-adrenergic receptors-produces vasoconstriction 
• May be given to >BP in hypotension & shock (little cardiac stimulation, not much affect on the heart)
• Frequently found in cold remedies to treat nasal congestion