Parasympathomimetics/Cholinergic agonists

parasympathomimetics

Introduction Parasympathomimetics — also referred to as cholinergic agonists or muscarinic agonists—are a class of medications that enhance or mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is one subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, often described as the “rest and digest” branch. Through stimulation of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, parasympathomimetics elicit various physiological responses such … Read more

Sympathomimetics/Adrenergic agonists

sympathomimetics

1 · Introduction Sympathomimetic agents—or adrenergic agonists—comprise a pharmacological super-family that mimics or amplifies the actions of endogenous catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine) at α1, α2, β1, β2, β3 and dopaminergic receptors. Their capacity to modulate cardiovascular tone, airway calibre, intra-ocular pressure, central arousal and metabolic flux renders them indispensable across emergency medicine, anaesthesia, respiratory … Read more