List of adrenergic drugs

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Adrenergic drugs are a class of medications that are used to stimulate the adrenergic receptors in the human body. These receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's fight or flight response. Adrenergic drugs can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, asthma, and cardiac arrest.

Types of Adrenergic Drugs[edit | edit source]

There are several types of adrenergic drugs, each of which interacts with a different type of adrenergic receptor.

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists[edit | edit source]

Alpha adrenergic agonists are drugs that stimulate the alpha adrenergic receptors. These drugs are often used to treat conditions like hypertension and nasal congestion. Examples of alpha adrenergic agonists include phenylephrine and clonidine.

Beta Adrenergic Agonists[edit | edit source]

Beta adrenergic agonists are drugs that stimulate the beta adrenergic receptors. These drugs are often used to treat conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Examples of beta adrenergic agonists include albuterol and salmeterol.

Mixed Alpha and Beta Adrenergic Agonists[edit | edit source]

Mixed alpha and beta adrenergic agonists are drugs that stimulate both the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. These drugs are often used to treat conditions like cardiac arrest and shock. Examples of mixed alpha and beta adrenergic agonists include epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Side Effects of Adrenergic Drugs[edit | edit source]

Like all medications, adrenergic drugs can have side effects. These can include tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, and insomnia. It's important for patients to discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting treatment with an adrenergic drug.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD