Sympathomimetics
This catecholamine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock due to strong α1 activity with modest β1 effects.
What is norepinephrine?
Stimulation of this receptor subtype in the heart increases heart rate and contractility.
What is the β1 receptor?
This β-blocker is rapidly metabolized by plasma esterases, making it ideal for intraoperative titration.
What is esmolol?
This irreversible α-blocker is used preoperatively for pheochromocytoma.
What is phenoxybenzamine?
This Vaughn-Williams class slows phase 4 depolarization via β-blockade.
What is Class II?
This sympathomimetic has a longer duration of action than epinephrine because it is not rapidly metabolized by COMT.
What is ephedrine?
These receptors predominate in cutaneous, renal, and splanchnic vascular beds, producing vasoconstriction when stimulated.
What are α1 receptors?
This nonselective β-blocker increases the risk of bronchospasm in patients with reactive airway disease.
What is propranolol?
This highly selective α2 agonist may cause paradoxical hypertension with large IV boluses.
What is dexmedetomidine?
QT prolongation and torsades de pointes are most associated with these two classes.
What are Class IA and Class III?
Low-dose dopamine causes vasodilation primarily through stimulation of these two receptor subtypes.
What are D1 and D2 receptors?
Presynaptic blockade of this receptor leads to increased norepinephrine release.
What is the α2 receptor?
These three β-blockers are considered cardioselective (β1-selective).
What are metoprolol, atenolol, and esmolol?
Abrupt discontinuation of this α2 agonist causes rebound hypertension and tachycardia.
What is clonidine?
This Class III drug also exhibits Class I, II, and IV properties.
What is amiodarone?
Large doses of this pure α-agonist may decrease cardiac output, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease.
What is phenylephrine?
This physiologic effect explains why epinephrine has minimal CNS activity.
What is poor lipid solubility preventing blood–brain barrier penetration?
Propranolol reduces clearance of bupivacaine primarily by this mechanism.
What is decreased hepatic blood flow with metabolic inhibition?
This α-blocker increases norepinephrine release by selectively blocking presynaptic α2 receptors.
What is yohimbine?
This electrolyte abnormality is more arrhythmogenic than acidosis in the perioperative period.
What is alkalosis?
This drug is the immediate precursor to norepinephrine in catecholamine synthesis.
What is dopamine?
Activation of this receptor is responsible for bronchodilation and skeletal muscle vasodilation.
What is the β2 receptor?
Abrupt discontinuation of β-blockers can precipitate this potentially fatal event.
What is myocardial infarction?
This IV α-blocker is commonly used for acute hypertensive crises during tumor manipulation.
What is phentolamine?
This class of antiarrhythmics primarily blocks fast sodium channels.
What is Class I?