Adrenergic Agonists

Therapeutic Uses of sympathomimetic agents:

1. Cardiovascular uses – Hypotension, shock

Cardiogenic Shock –Dopamine is the drug of choice

Cardiac arrest, heart failure

2. Pulmonary applications –

Bronchial Asthma – β₂ selective drugs are preferred

3. Anaphylaxis and other type-I reactions – Epinephrine is preferred -0.3-0.5ml of 1:1000 solution is given by intramuscular injection

4. Nasal decongestant

5. Uterine relaxants – ritodrine is preferred

6. CNS – Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

7. Miscellaneous uses – Hypertension-clonidine

Adverse Effects:

• All are potentially arrhythmogenic

  • Epi and isoproterenol more arrhythmogenic than dopamine and dobutamine

• Some can cause hypertension

• Epinephrine, in particular, can cause CNS effects – fear, anxiety, restlessness

Category: Pharmacology Notes