Beta(β) blockers Beta(β) blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are blood pressure medications. The hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is inhibited by beta blockers. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and forcefully, lowering blood pressure. Beta blockers also aid in the widening of veins and arteries, which improves blood flow. … Read more
Alpha (α)-adrenergic blockers Alpha (α)-adrenergic blockers, also known as alpha-blockers, are a class of drugs that block the action of the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the body. These receptors are found in various tissues, including blood vessels, the bladder, and the prostate gland. Alpha (α)-blockers are commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, … Read more
Adrenergic drugs Adrenergic drugs, also known as sympathomimetic drugs. These are a class of medications that activate the sympathetic nervous system. These drugs mimic the effects of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are released by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. Adrenergic drugs are used to treat a variety of medical … Read more
Ganglionic blocking agents A family of medications known as ganglionic blocking agents, also referred to as ganglionic blockers, affects the autonomic nervous system by preventing the transmission of nerve impulses at ganglia, which are collections of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system. Ganglionic blockers were once used to address conditions like hypertension, angina, … Read more
Ganglionic stimulants Ganglionic stimulants are drugs that activate the autonomic ganglia. These are nerve cell clusters that regulate involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. They were historically used to treat conditions such as hypotension and urinary retention, but are now rarely used due to their high potential for adverse effects, such … Read more
