Drugs Affecting the Central & Autonomic Nervous System

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on the pharmacology of the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems, including adrenergic and cholinergic receptor types, mechanisms of action, and specific drug examples.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The core of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord.

Autonomic Nervous System

The branch of the peripheral nervous system that includes the parasympathetic (cholinergic/ACh) and sympathetic (adrenergic/NE) systems.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that make it possible for messages to be transmitted by crossing a synapse, exciting or inhibiting a physiological response.

Alpha 1 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\alpha}}_1) Receptors

Adrenergic receptors that cause vasoconstriction, decreased GI and bladder motility, mydriasis, decreased secretions, ejaculation, uterine contractions, and glycogenolysis.

Alpha 2 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\alpha}}_2) Receptors

Receptors located on the presynaptic nerve that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response.

Beta 1 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\beta}}_1) Receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily located in the heart that increase heart rate, contraction, and conduction.

Beta 2 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\beta}}_2) Receptors

Adrenergic receptors that cause bronchodilation, uterine relaxation, glycogenolysis, and decreased GI motility.

Dopaminergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to dopamine to increase blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys, and viscera; high doses cause vasoconstriction.

Muscarinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors that increase GI and bladder motility, increase secretions, constrict pupils (miosis), cause bronchoconstriction, and decrease heart rate/conduction.

Receptor Selectivity

A drug characteristic that allows activity at specific receptors without altering others, resulting in fewer side effects.

Agonist

A drug that activates or increases a receptor's function by binding to it.

Antagonist

A drug that inhibits, blocks, or decreases receptor activation.

Sympathomimetics

Adrenergic agonist drugs that mimic the actions of Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Dopamine.

Albuterol (Ventolin)

A Beta 2 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\beta}}_2) agonist used for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis to cause bronchodilation.

Sympatholytics

Adrenergic antagonists that "lyse" or inhibit sympathetic nervous system stimulation by blocking receptors.

Doxazosin (Cardura)

An Alpha 1 (\textstyleoldsymbol{\text{\alpha}}_1) blocker that causes arterial and venous dilation to treat hypertension.

Phentolamine (Regitine)

A potent vasodilator used to treat tissue necrosis resulting from the extravasation of IV alpha adrenergics.

Lipophilicity

The property of a drug, such as propranolol (Inderal), that allows it to enter the Central Nervous System easily.

Parasympathomimetics

Cholinergic agonist drugs that mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) to produce the "rest and digest" response.

SLUDGE

A mnemonic for cholinergic crisis toxicity: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urinary incontinence, Diarrhea, GI cramps, and Emesis.

Parasympatholytic

Another name for anti-cholinergic drugs that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system response.

Atropine (AtroPen)

An anti-cholinergic drug used to treat bradycardia and heart blocks by blocking the slowing effects of the PNS.