Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic agonists are drugs that selectively bind to and activate adrenergic receptors.
There are four major subtypes of adrenergic receptors: alpha1, alpha2, beta1, and beta2. Cardiovascular drugs that stimulate or inhibit both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are considered totally unselective; the drugs are highly selective if they stimulate or inhibit only one subtype of alpha- or beta-adrenergic receptor.
Alpha-adrenergic Agonists
The alpha-adrenergic agonists mimic the action of naturally occurring norepinephrine on the alpha-adrenergic receptors. The primary effects of these drugs is vasoconstriction.
Beta-adrenergic Agonists
Beta-adrenergic agonists are drugs that act only on beta-adrenergic receptors and are used primarily to stimulate the heart or dilate the bronchi. 2
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REF FILE 324-DAC
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