NERVOUS SYSTEM PHARMACOLOGY

Nervous System

CNS PNS

Spinal Motor Sensory

Brain
Cord Neurons Neurons

Autonomic Somatic
Nervous System Nervous System

Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Nervous System Nervous System
(Adrenergic) (Cholinergic)
“Fight or Flight” “Rest and Digest”
Primarily Norepinephrine (Adrenaline) Primarily ACh
Alpha Receptors: vessels Muscarinic Receptors
Beta1-Receptors: heart Nicotinic Receptors
Beta2-Receptors: bronchial/vascular
smooth muscle
Dopaminergic: renal/mesenteric artery

MED CLASSES/EXAMPLE MEDS

ADRENERGIC AGONIST (SYMPATHOMIMETIC):
Mimics the effects of the SNS. (dobutamine,
dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine,
phenylephrine, albuterol, isoproterenol,
salmeterol).
CHOLINERGIC AGONISTS
(PARASYMPATHOMIMETIC): Mimic the effects
of the PNS. (donepezil, bethanechol,
pyridostigmine).

ADRENERGIC BLOCKING AGENTS ANTICHOLINERGIC AGENTS

(SYMPATHOLYTIC): Block the effects of the SNS. (PARASYMPATHOLYTIC): Block the effects
(beta-blockers, amiodarone, tamsulosin, doxazosin, of the PNS. (atropine, scopolamin, ipratropium,
phentolamine). trospium).

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