Key Drugs

Phenylephrine

α1 supporter — boosts vessel-tightening signal → blood vessels squeeze tight (decongestant, ↑BP)

Salbutamol (albuterol)

β2 supporter — boosts airway-opening signal → lungs open up (asthma inhaler)

Atropine

Muscarinic blocker — blocks the "calm down" signal → heart speeds up, mouth dries, pupils widen

Ipratropium

Muscarinic blocker (airway) — blocks the airway-tightening signal → lungs open up

Propranolol

β blocker (both β1 & β2) — blocks the "speed up" signal → heart slows down, can tighten airways

Malathion

Acetylcholinesterase blocker — jams the shut-off switch for ACh → ACh builds up, body overwhelmed (organophosphate poison)

Bethanechol

Muscarinic supporter — boosts the "squeeze" signal → bladder/gut muscles contract more

Botulinum toxin

blocks ACh release at the nerve ending (not a receptor drug) → muscles go limp

Amphetamine

forces NE/dopamine release (not a receptor drug) → speeds the body up

Prazosin

α1 blocker — blocks the vessel-tightening signal → blood vessels relax (↓BP)

Amitriptyline

blocks NE/serotonin reuptake (not a receptor drug) — antidepressant, dry mouth side effect

Cocaine

blocks NE/dopamine reuptake (not a receptor drug) → speeds the body up