Category: ANS
Chapter: Pharmacology of Beta Blockers
Learning Objectives By the end of this chapter, the student should be able to: 1. Introduction Beta blockers, also called β-adrenergic antagonists or β-adrenoceptor blockers,...
Pharmacology of Clonidine
Introduction Clonidine is a centrally acting sympatholytic drug used mainly for its ability to reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. Pharmacologically, it is...
Pharmacotherapy of Parkinson’s Disease
Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized predominantly by motor symptoms including bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. These cardinal clinical features trace back to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra...
Pharmacotherapy of Glaucoma
Introduction Glaucoma is a group of progressive ocular disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Over time,...
Pharmacology of Sympathomimetics: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety
Introduction to Sympathomimetics Sympathomimetic medications—also known as adrenergic agonists—are a diverse group of pharmacological agents that mimic the physiological actions of endogenous catecholamines (e.g., norepinephrine...
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Receptors: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions in the human body. It consists of two main divisions:...
Cholinomimetic Drugs (Cholinergic Agonists / Parasympathomimetics)
Introduction Cholinomimetic drugs (also referred to as parasympathomimetics) are agents that mimic or enhance the actions of acetylcholine (ACh), the primary neurotransmitter found at parasympathetic postganglionic nerve endings, neuromuscular junctions, and certain synapses within the central...
Cholinergic Antagonists: A Comprehensive Guide to Parasympatholytics and Antimuscarinic Agents
Introduction Cholinergic antagonists, also known as parasympatholytics or antimuscarinic agents, are a class of drugs that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic...
Pharmacology of Pilocarpine
Introduction Pilocarpine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the leaves of plants belonging to the genus Pilocarpus. Widely recognized for its potent cholinergic properties,...
Pharmacology of Adrenaline
Adrenaline, also referred to by its international nonproprietary name epinephrine, is a naturally occurring catecholamine released primarily by the adrenal medulla. As one of the most...