Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers
Relax smooth muscles and dilate blood vessels by blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors
What is the pharmacodynamic effect of alpha-adrenergic blockers?
They slow the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction
What is the main action of beta-adrenergic blockers on the heart?
The parasympathetic nervous system
What body system do cholinergic agonists stimulate?
Atropine
What is an example of an anticholinergic drug?
Constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate, and dilate bronchi
What are the effects on the nervous system?
Terazosin
What is an example of an alpha-adrenergic blocker?
“-olol”
What suffix do most beta-blocker medications end with?
Urinary retention, glaucoma, and sometimes dry mouth
What are cholinergic agonists mainly used to treat?
Avoid alcohol because it has additive CNS depressant effects
What is a precaution that should be taken?
Catecholamines and Noncatecholamines
What are the two chemical structure groups involved?
Hypertension
What condition are alpha-adrenergic blockers commonly prescribed to treat?
Heart rate and blood pressure should be assessed to avoid bradycardia or hypotension
What vital signs should be checked before giving a beta-blocker?
Mimics the action of Ach on the neurons in target organs
What are the pharmacodynamics of cholinergic agonists?
Reversal of muscarinic effects, dry secretions, treat sympathetic bradycardia
What are the pharmacotherapeutics?
Paradoxical bronchospasm
What is the black box warning for Albuterol?
At bedtime, to decrease the risk of dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure
What time of day should alpha-adrenergic blockers be taken to reduce side effects and why?
Fatigue, bradycardia, dizziness, and depression
What are some common adverse effects of beta-adrenergic blockers?
N/v, abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, frequent urination, and blurred vision
What are some adverse side effects of Cholinergic agonists?
Tachycardia, arrhythmias, blurred vision, drowsiness, and dry mouth
What are some adverse side effects of Atropine?
Angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, and tachycardia
What are the adverse side effects of epinephrine (noncatecholamine)?
They block alpha-1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance
How do alpha-adrenergic blockers lower blood pressure?
To reduce the heart’s workload and prevent future cardiac complications by lowering heart rate and oxygen demand
Why are beta-blockers given to patients after a heart attack?
Take on an empty stomach to increase absorption of drug
How should you take oral cholinergic drugs?
Block parasympathetic responses in CNS and ANS as well as prevent Acetylcholine from stimulating cholinergic receptors
How does it promote fight or flight response?
Noncatecholamines and MAOI which can cause severe hypertension and death
What is a dangerous drug interaction you should be aware of?