Question

• Compare and contrast adrenergic/ chlolenergic drugs

Answer 1

Ans)

• Adrenergic- Sympathetic

Cholinergic- Parasympathetic

• Adrenergic symptoms- increase HR, BP, resp, shunting of blood away from GI functions, dilated pupils

Cholinergic symptoms- Decrease HR, BP, resp, all housekeeping chores occurring, constricted pupils

• Adrenergic receptors- Alpha and beta

Cholinergic receptors- Nicotonic and muscarinic

• Adrenergic neurotransmitters- Epi/Norepi

Cholinergic neurotransmitters- Acetylcholine

• Adrenergic termination- Reuptake

Cholinergic termination- Cholinesterases

• Adrenergic prototype- Epinepherine

Cholinergic prototype- Nicotine

• Adrenergic antagonist- none

Cholinergic antagonist- Atropine

• The main difference between the two is their neurotransmitters. For the cholinergic line, acetylcholine (ACh) is used while the adrenergic line makes use of either norepinephrine or epinephrine (also known as adrenaline); no wonder the adrenergic line came to be named as such because adrenaline is involved.

- Cholinergic drugs enhance the effects of acetylcholine, increasing the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic drugs block effects of acetylcholine, reducing parasympathetic actions and increasing sympathetic ones. Cholinergic drugs are used to treat glaucoma and myasthenia gravis.

Adrenergic drugs have many uses. They are used to increase the output of the heart, to raise blood pressure, and to increase urine flow as part of the treatment of shock. Adrenergics are also used as heart stimulants.