Drug Classification Main Effect Drugs Clinical Indications Additional Info Adverse Effects
Sympathomimetics (agonists)
-adrenergicadrenergic
(-adrenergic1 receptors)
-adrenergic1: smooth muscle
contraction(vasoconstriction)
increased BP
-2: negative feedback to decrease
release of NE
NE, EPI,
metaraminol,
phenylephrine
Raise BP in hypotensive
states, nasal/eye
decongestant
NE prototype
IV admin/short acting
GI/urinary inhibition
IV (skin infiltration)
Hypertensive crisis,
cerebral hemorrhage,
cardiac arrhythmias,
nasal/eye dryness
Nonselective
-adrenergic1 & -adrenergic2
adrenergic
-adrenergic1: cardiac stimulation;
increased HR, force of
contraction
-adrenergic2: smooth muscle relaxation;
bronchodilation, uterine,
increased blood flow to
heart/skeletal muscle
Dopamine,
Ephedrine,
Isoproterenol
EPI ( & )
Circulatory shock
bronchodilator,
anaphylaxis
Cardiac arrest, asthma,
vasoconstriction
(surgery)
Restlessness, tremors,
anxiety
Older -adrenergic cardiac
arrhythmias
-adrenergic2: lower BP, at high
dosages-adrenergic overstim. of
heart (-adrenergic1)
Selective -adrenergic2
adrenergic see above (-adrenergic2)
Albuterol,
formoterol,
salmeterol,
terbutaline
Bronchodilator
Sympatholytics (antagonists)
-adrenergic1 adrenergic
blockers
Smooth muscle relaxation
(vasodilation), decreased BP
Doxazosin,
prazosin,
tamsulosin,
terazosin
Hypertension,
prostatic hyperplasia,
Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease
Compensatory reflex
tachycardia,
orthostatic
hypotension, fainting
Nonselective
-adrenergic1 & -adrenergic2
adrenergic blockers
-adrenergic1: decreased HR, force of
contraction
-adrenergic2 smooth muscle contract(NT)
Nadolol, pindolol,
propranolol,
timolol
Chronic heart failure,
hypertension, angina
pectoralis
Nausea, diarrhea
Bradycardia,
congestive heart
failure, cardiac arrest
Drowsiness, CNS
disturbances
Selective
-adrenergic1 adrenergic
blockers
-adrenergic1: decreased HR, force of
contraction
Atenolol,
acebutolol,
esmolol,
metoprolol
Hypertension,
tachycardia, cardiac
arrhythmias, angina
pectoralis
Adrenergic neuronal
blockers
Decrease sympathetic activity,
lowers BP & cardiac function Methyldopa
