Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacology Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers common autonomic drugs, their receptor targets, clinical indications, and relevant memory mnemonics.

Bethanechol

A muscarinic agonist used for urinary retention; it makes the bathroom 'WET' by contracting the bladder and increasing GI mobility and salivation.

Atropine

A muscarinic antagonist used for symptomatic bradycardia; it causes 'dry' side effects, dilates pupils, and increases heart rate.

Epinephrine

An agonist for $\alpha_1$, $\beta_1$, and $\beta_2$ receptors used in emergencies like anaphylaxis to open lungs and raise blood pressure and heart rate.

Norepinephrine

An agonist with $\alpha_1 > \beta_1$ activity used for septic shock; it causes powerful vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure.

Dopamine

A dose-dependent agonist used for cardiogenic shock; low doses affect kidneys, medium doses affect the heart, and high doses affect blood vessels.

Phenylephrine

An $\alpha_1$ agonist used for nasal congestion and hypotension; it shrinks swollen nasal vessels and increases blood pressure.

Albuterol

A $\beta_2$ agonist used for asthma and COPD to open the lungs (bronchodilation).

Prazosin

An $\alpha_1$ antagonist used for hypertension by relaxing blood vessels to reduce pressure.

Doxazosin

An $\alpha_1$ antagonist used for 'Double duty' treating both hypertension (HTN) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Tamsulosin

An $\alpha_{1A}$ antagonist that relaxes the prostate and bladder neck to treat BPH and improve weak urine stream.

Metoprolol

A $\beta_1$ antagonist (beta-1 selective) used for HTN, angina, and heart failure by decreasing heart rate and contractility.

Propranolol

A non-selective $\beta_1$ and $\beta_2$ antagonist used for HTN, migraines, tremors, and performance anxiety; it must be avoided in patients with asthma.

Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor to produce a physiological response.

Antagonist

A drug that binds to a receptor to block or dampen a biological response.