Chapter 18, Problem 3O

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The mechanism action, therapeutic effects, indications, adverse and toxic effects, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, and available antidotes to overdose for various adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetic drugs.

Introduction:

The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are considered as the two important branches of the nervous system. The CNS consists of the spinal cord and brain, whereas the PNS contains autonomic nervous system (ANS) and somatic nervous system (SNS). The ANS is further divided into sympathetic or adrenergic and parasympathetic or cholinergic compounds. It is more important to understand the action of many drugs in these systems. Adrenergic or sympathetic compounds include substances that are related to the body’s natural substances (endogenous) and synthetic substances (exogenous).