NEET MDS Lessons
Pharmacology
Sympathomimetics -Adrenergic Agents
The sympathomimetic or adrenergic or adrenomimetic drugs mimic the effects of adrenergic sympathetic nerve stimulation.
These are the important group of therapeutic agents which may be used to maintain blood pressure and in certain cases of severe bronchial asthma.
Mechanism of Action and Adrenoceptors
The catecholamines produce their action by direct combination with receptors located on the cell membrane. The adrenergic receptors are divided into two main groups – alpha and beta.
alpha receptor - stimulation produces excitatory effect and
beta receptor -stimulation usually produces inhibitory effect.
Alpha receptors: There are two major groups of alpha receptors, α1 and α2.
Activation of postsynaptic α1 receptors increases the intracellular concentration of calcium by activation of a phospholipase C in the cell membrane via G protein.
α2 receptor is responsible for inhibition of renin release from the kidney and for central aadrenergically mediated blood pressure depression.
Beta receptors:
a. Beta 1 receptors have approximately equal affinity for adrenaline and noradrenaline and are responsible for myocardial stimulation and renin release.
b. Beta 2 - receptors have a higher affinity for adrenaline than for noradrenaline and are responsible for bronchial muscle relaxation, skeletal muscle vasodilatation and uterine relaxation.
c. Dopamine receptors: The D1 receptor is typically associated with the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. The important agonist of dopamine receptors is fenoldopam (D1) and bromocriptine (D2) and antagonist is clozapine (D4) .
Adrenergic drugs can also be classified into:
a. Direct sympathomimetics: These act directly on a or/and b adrenoceptors e.g. adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine salbutamol etc.
b. Indirect sympathomimetics: They act on adrenergic neurones to release noradrenaline e.g. tyramine.
c. Mixed action sympathomimetics: They act directly as well as indirectly e.g. ephedrine, amphetamine, mephentermine etc.
Pharmacological Action of Sympathomimetics
Heart: Direct effects on the heart are determined largely by β1 receptors.
Adrenaline increases the heart rate, force of myocardial contraction and cardiac output
Blood vessels: Adrenaline and noradrenaline constrict the blood vessels of skin and mucous membranes.
Adrenaline also dilates the blood vessels of the skeletal muscles on account of the preponderance of β2 receptor
Blood pressure: Because of vasoconstriction (α1) and vasodilatation (β2) action of adrenaline, the net result is decrease in total peripheral resistance.
Noradrenaline causes rise in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure and does not cause vasodilatation (because of no action on β2 receptors) and increase in peripheral resistance due to its a action.
Isoprenaline causes rise in systolic blood pressure (because of β1 cardiac stimulant action) but marked fall in diastolic blood pressure (because of b2 vasodilatation action) but mean blood pressure generally falls.
GIT: Adrenaline causes relaxation of smooth muscles of GIT and reduce its motility.
Respiratory system: The presence of β2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle causes relaxation and activation of these receptors by β2 agonists cause bronchodilatation.
Uterus: The response of the uterus to the atecholamines varies according to species
Eye: Mydriasis occur due to contraction of radial muscles of iris, intraocular tension is lowered due to less production of the aqueous humor secondary to vasoconstriction and conjunctival ischemia due to constriction of conjunctival blood vessels.
a. Urinary bladder: Detrusor is relaxed (b) and trigone is constricted (a) and both the actions tend to inhibit
micturition.
b. Spleen: In animals, it causes contraction (due to its a action) of the splenic capsule resulting in increase in number of RBCs in circulation.
c. It also cause contraction of retractor penis, seminal vesicles and vas deferens.
d. Adrenaline causes lacrimation and salivary glands are stimulated.
e. Adrenaline increases the blood sugar level by enhancing hepatic glycogenolysis and also by decreasing the uptake of glucose by peripheral tissues.
Adrenaline inhibits insulin release by its a-receptor stimulant action whereas it stimulates glycogenolysis by its b receptor stimulant action.
f. Adrenaline produces leucocytosis and eosinopenia and accelerates blood coagulation and also stimulates platelet aggregation.
Adverse Effects
Restlessness, anxiety, tremor, headache.
Both adrenaline and noradrenaline cause sudden increase in blood pressure, precipitating sub-arachnoid haemorrhage and occasionally hemiplegia, and ventricular arrhythmias.
May produce anginal pain in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Contraindications
a. In patients with hyperthyroidism.
b. Hypertension.
c. During anaesthesia with halothane and cyclopropane.
d. In angina pectoris.
Therapeutic Uses
Allergic reaction: Adrenaline is drug of choice in the treatment of various acute allergic disorders by acting as a physiological antagonist of histamine (a known mediator of many hypersensitivity reactions). It is used in bronchial asthma, acute angioneurotic edema, acute hypersensitivity reaction to drugs and in the treatment of anaphylactic shock.
Bronchial asthma: When given subcutaneously or by inhalation, adrenaline is a potent drug in the treatment of status asthmaticus.
Cardiac uses: Adrenaline may be used to stimulate the heart in cardiac arrest.
Adrenaline can also be used in Stokes-Adam syndrome, which is a cardiac arrest occurring at the transition of partial to complete heart block. Isoprenaline or orciprenaline may be used for the temporary treatment of partial or complete AV block.
Miscellaneous uses:
a. Phenylephrine is used in fundus examination as mydriatic agent.
b. Amphetamines are sometime used as adjuvant and to counteract sedation caused by antiepileptics.
c. Anoretic drugs can help the obese people.
d. Amphetamine may be useful in nocturnal enuresis in children.
e. Isoxsuprine (uterine relaxant) has been used in threatened abortion and dysmenorrhoea.
Morphine
Morphine is effective orally, but is much less effective than when given parenterally due to first-pass metabolism in the liver. Metabolism involves glucuronide formation, the product of which is excreted in the urine.
1. Central Nervous System Effects
• Morphine has mixed depressant and stimulatory actions on the CNS.
• Analgesia:
• Dysphoria – Euphoria
- morphine directly stimulates the chemoreceptor trigger zone, but later depresses the vomiting center in the brain stem. This center is outside the blood/brain barrier.
- opiates appear to relieve anxiety
• Morphine causes the release of histamine and abolishes hunger.
- causes the body to feel warm and the face and nose to itch.
• Pupils are constricted.- due to stimulation of the nuclei of the third cranial nerves.
- tolerance does not develop to this effect.
• Cough reflex is inhibited. - this is not a stereospecific effect.
- dextromethorphan will suppress cough but will not produce analgesia.
• Respiration is depressed
- due to a direct effect on the brain stem respiratory center.
- death from narcotic overdose is nearly always due to respiratory arrest.
- the mechanism of respiratory depression involves:
• a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to an increase in pCO2.
• depression of brain stem centers that regulate respiratory rhythm.
- hypoxic stimulation of respiration is less affected and O2 administration can produce apnea.
2. Cardiovascular Effects
• Postural orthostatic hypotension.- due primarily to peripheral vasodilation, which may be due in part to histamine release.
• Cerebral circulation is also indirectly influenced by increased pCO2, which leads to cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
• In congestive heart failure, morphine decreases the left ventricular workload and myocardial oxygen demand.
3. Endocrine Effects
• Increases prolactin secretion
• Increases vasopressin (ADH) secretion
• Decreases pituitary gonadotropin (LH & FSH) secretion.
• Decreases stress induced ACTH secretion.
4. Gastrointestinal Tract Effects
• Constipation (tolerance does not develop to this effect).
• Several of these agents can be used in the treatment of diarrhea.
There is an increase in smooth muscle tone and a decrease in propulsive contractions.
Adverse Reactions
Generally direct extensions of their pharmacological actions.
1. respiratory depression, apnea
2. nausea and vomiting
3. dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, edema
4. mental clouding, drowsiness
5. constipation, ileus
6. biliary spasm (colic)
7. dry mouth
8. urine retention, urinary hesitancy
9. hypersensitivity reactions (contact dermatitis, urticaria)
Precautions
1. respiratory depression, particularly in the newborn
3. orthostatic hypotension
4. histamine release (asthma, shock)
5. drug interactions (other CNS depressants)
6. tolerance:
- analgesia, euphoria, nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression
7. physical dependence (psychological & physiological)
Acid-Peptic disorders
This group of diseases include peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pathophysiology of acid-peptic disorders
Peptic ulcer disease is thought to result from an imbalance between cell– destructive effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin on the one side, and cell-protective effects of mucus and bicarbonate on the other side. Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme activated in gastric acid (above pH of 4, pepsin is inactive); also it can digest the stomach wall. A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is now accepted to be involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer.
In gastroesophageal reflux the acidic contents of the stomach enter into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation in the region of the heart; hence the common name heartburn or other names such as indigestion and dyspepsia.
However, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by a tumor of gastrin secreting cells of the pancreas characterized by excessive secretion of gastrin that stimulates gastric acid secretion.
These disorders can be treated by the following classes of drugs:
A. Gastric acid neutralizers (antacids)
B. Gastric acid secretion inhibitors (antisecretory drugs)
C. Mucosal protective agents
D. Drugs that exert antimicrobial action against H.pylori
RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM INHIBITORS
The actions of Angiotensin II include an increase in blood pressure and a stimulation of the secretion of aldosterone (a hormone from the adrenal cortex) that promotes sodium retention. By preventing the formation of angiotensin II, blood pressure will be reduced. This is the strategy for development of inhibitors. Useful inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system are the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
First line treatment for: Hypertension , Congestive heart failure [CHF]
ACE-Inhibitor’s MOA (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)
Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System:
. Renin & Angiotensin = vasoconstrictor
. constricts blood vessels & increases BP
. increases SVR or afterload
. ACE Inhibitors blocks these effects decreasing SVR & afterload
. Aldosterone = secreted from adrenal glands
. cause sodium & water reabsorption
. increase blood volume
. increase preload
. ACE I blocks this and decreases preload
Types
Class I: captopril
Class II (prodrug) : e.g., ramipril, enalapril, perindopril
Class III ( water soluble) : lisinopril.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibition of circulating and tissue angiotensin- converting enzyme.
Increased formation of bradykinin and vasodilatory prostaglandins.
Decreased secretion of aldosterone; help sodium excretion.
Advantages
- Reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes, and heart failure.
- Favorable metabolic profile.
- Improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.
- Renal glomerular protection effect especially in diabetes mellitus.
- Do not adversely affect quality of life.
Indications
- Diabetes mellitus, particularly with nephropathy.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Following myocardial infraction.
Side Effects
- Cough (10 - 30%): a dry irritant cough with tickling sensation in the throat.
- Skin rash (6%).
- Postural hypotension in salt depleted or blood volume depleted patients.
- Angioedema (0.2%) : life threatening.
- Renal failure: rare, high risk with bilateral renal artery stenosis.
- Hyperkalaemia
- Teratogenicity.
Considerations
- Contraindications include bilateral renal artery stenosis, pregnancy, known allergy, and hyperkalaemia.
- High serum creatinine (> 3 mg/dl) is an indication for careful monitoring of renal function, and potassium. Benefits can still be obtained in spite of renal insufficiency.
- A slight stable increase in serum creatinine after the introduction of ACE inhibitors does not limit use.
- ACE-I are more effective when combined with diuretics and moderate salt restriction.
ACE inhibitors drugs
Captopril 50-150 mg
Enalapril 2.5-40 mg
Lisinopril 10-40 mg
Ramipril 2.5-20 mg
Perindopril 2-8 mg
Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
Losartan 25-100 mg
Candesartan 4-32 mg
Telmisartan 20-80 mg
Mechanism of action
They act by blocking type I angiotensin II receptors generally, producing more blockade of the renin -angiotensin - aldosterone axis.
Advantages
• Similar metabolic profile to that of ACE-I.
• Renal protection.
• They do not produce cough.
Indications
Patients with a compelling indication for ACE-I and who can not tolerate them because of cough or allergic reactions.
Classification
I) Esters
1. Formed from an aromatic acid and an amino alcohol.
2. Examples of ester type local anesthetics:
Procaine
Chloroprocaine
Tetracaine
Cocaine
Benzocaine- topical applications only
2) Amides
1. Formed from an aromatic amine and an amino acid.
2. Examples of amide type local anesthetics:
Articaine
Mepivacaine
Bupivacaine
Prilocaine
Etidocaine
Ropivacaine
Lidocaine
Sulfonylureas
1st generation
tolbutamide
chlorpropamide
2nd generation
glyburide
glimepiride
glipizide
Mechanism
glucose normally triggers insulin release from pancreatic β cells by increasing intracellular ATP
→ closes K+ channels → depolarization → ↑ Ca2+ influx → insulin release
sulfonylureas mimic action of glucose by closing K+ channels in pancreatic β cells
→ depolarization → ↑ Ca2+ influx → insulin release
its use results in
↓ glucagon release
↑ insulin sensitivity in muscle and liver
Clinical use
type II DM
stimulates release of endogenous insulin
cannot be used in type I DM due to complete lack of islet function
Toxicity
first generation
disulfiram-like effects
especially chlorpropamide
second generation
hypoglycemia
weight gain
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
Pseudoephedrine appears to have less pressor activity and weaker central nervous system effects than ephedrine. It has agonist activity at both β1 and β2 adrenoceptors, leading to increased cardiac output and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.
Pseudoephedrine is rapidly absorbed throughout the body. It is eliminated largely unchanged in urine by N-demethylation.
It is indicated in symptomatic relief from stuffed nose, respiratory tract congestion, bronchospasm associated with asthma, bronchitis and other similar disorders.