Difference between revisions of "Alpha-2 Agonists"
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==Actions== | ==Actions== | ||
| − | Alpha-2 agonists have a wide range of actions, due to the presence of alpha-2 receptors throughout the body. The actions most useful pharmacologically are '''sedation''', '''anxiolysis''' and '''analgesia'''. | + | Alpha-2 agonists have a wide range of actions, due to the presence of alpha-2 receptors throughout the body. The actions most useful pharmacologically are '''sedation''', '''anxiolysis''' and '''analgesia'''. The drugs also have a huge '''anaesthetic sparing effect''', reducing MAC by 50-95%. They also give '''muscle relaxtion'''. |
| + | |||
| + | Other systems affected by alpha-2 agonists include: | ||
| + | * Cardiovascular System | ||
| + | * Respiratory System | ||
| + | * Gastrointestinal Tract | ||
| + | * Endocrine System | ||
| + | * Urogenital Tract | ||
==Side Effects and Contraindications== | ==Side Effects and Contraindications== | ||
Revision as of 15:45, 3 March 2009
Alpha-2 agonists have sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic effects.
Mechanism of Action
Alpha-2 agonists act on alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, and mimic the effects of the actual ligand binding. The sedative and anxiolytic effects arise from this process leading to pre-synaptic inhibition of noradrenaline release.
Actions
Alpha-2 agonists have a wide range of actions, due to the presence of alpha-2 receptors throughout the body. The actions most useful pharmacologically are sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia. The drugs also have a huge anaesthetic sparing effect, reducing MAC by 50-95%. They also give muscle relaxtion.
Other systems affected by alpha-2 agonists include:
- Cardiovascular System
- Respiratory System
- Gastrointestinal Tract
- Endocrine System
- Urogenital Tract