pharmaco week 2 autonomic kineme

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary functions like blood pressure, digestion, thermoregulation, and elimination through sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Mediates "fight or flight" responses, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and dilates bronchi.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Mediates "rest and digest" responses, slows heart rate, promotes digestion and elimination.

Acetylcholine

Primary neurotransmitter in parasympathetic system; acts on cholinergic receptors.

Norepinephrine

Primary neurotransmitter in sympathetic system; acts on adrenergic receptors.

Beta-1 Receptors

Located in the heart; stimulation increases heart rate and contractility.

Beta-2 Receptors

Located in the lungs; stimulation causes bronchodilation.

Alpha-1 Receptors

Located in blood vessels; stimulation causes vasoconstriction.

Alpha-2 Receptors

Presynaptic receptors that reduce norepinephrine release when stimulated.

Beta-Blockers (-olol)

Sympatholytic drugs that decrease heart rate, contractility, and renin release, used in hypertension and arrhythmias.

Adverse Effects of Beta-Blockers

Bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, depression, and metabolic disturbances.

Beta-Blockers in Antiarrhythmics

Class II antiarrhythmics that decrease cardiac excitability and slow AV node conduction.

Alpha Blockers (-zosin)

Block alpha-1 receptors causing vasodilation; also improve lipid profile and treat BPH.

Adverse Effects of Alpha Blockers

Orthostatic hypotension and reflex tachycardia.

Presynaptic Adrenergic Inhibitors

Block norepinephrine release from sympathetic neurons; e.g., Reserpine.

Reserpine

Depletes norepinephrine stores in CNS and PNS; causes sedation, bradycardia, and GI upset.

Central Acting Agents

Alpha-2 and Imidazoline receptor agonists that reduce sympathetic outflow from the brainstem.

Examples of Alpha-2 Agonists

Clonidine, guanabenz, guanfacine, methyldopa.

Examples of Imidazoline Agonists

Moxonidine, rilmenidine.

Adverse Effects of Central Acting Agents

Dry mouth, sedation, dizziness.

Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists

Stimulate Beta-2 receptors in lungs causing bronchodilation; used in asthma and COPD.

Forms of Beta-2 Agonists

Delivered via MDIs, nebulizers, or DPIs.

Beta-2 Agonists in Asthma

Short-acting agents are "rescue" drugs for acute attacks.

Beta-2 Agonists in COPD

Long-acting agents are first-line treatment and often combined with anticholinergics.

Adverse Effects of Beta-2 Agonists

Airway irritation, tachycardia, nervousness, restlessness.

Anticholinergic Drugs

Block muscarinic receptors in lungs to prevent acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Ipratropium vs Tiotropium

Tiotropium has a longer duration of action; both are used in COPD.

Adverse Effects of Anticholinergics

Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia, blurred vision, confusion.