Miscellaneous Adrenergic Agonists

• CNS stimulant (releasing biogenic nerve terminal amines):

  • respiratory center

  • mood elevation

  • decreased perception of fatigue

• Other effects: headache, palpitations, dysphoria

  • Appetite suppression

  • Weight loss due to decrease food intake

  • psychological tolerance/dependence

• Indirect acting sympathomimetic

• Toxicity:

  • CNS: restlessness, tremor, irritablity, insomnia, aggressiveness, anxiety, panic, suicidal ideation, etc.

  • Cardiovascular: arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, angina

  • GI: dry mouth, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping

  • Treatment:

    • urinary acidification by ammonium chloride

    • hypertension: nitroprusside or alpha adrenergic receptor antagonist

    • CNS: sedative-hypnotic drugs

• Therapeutic Use:

  • Narcolepsy

  • Obesity

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Category: Pharmacology Notes