How Do AlphaBeta Adrenergic Agonists Work?

Alpha/beta-adrenergic agonists are a class of drugs that act simultaneously on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are types of adrenergic receptors that play a central role in the sympathetic nervous system—the part of the nervous system that increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and eye pupil size. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are mainly present in the:

• Smooth muscle cells
• Muscle tissue of the heart (myocardial tissue)

Stimulating alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors can lead to:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased cardiac output
• Increased resistance of arteries to blood flow
• Increased resistance to urinary outflow
• Promotion of bronchodilation

Alpha/beta adrenergic agonists are administered intravenously or as a prefilled autoinjector syringe and are used to treat:

• Hypotension
• Cardiac arrest
• Hypotension associated with septic shock
• Anaphylaxis
• Mydriasis
• Symptomatic bradycardia

Side effects associated with alpha/beta adrenergic agonists include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Hypertension
• Hypersensitivity
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Hallucination
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Palpitations
• Vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Nervousness

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of alpha/beta adrenergic agonists include:

• Adrenalin
• Akovaz
• Auvi-q
• Corphedra
• Droxidopa
• Emerphed
• Ephedrine
• Epinephrine
• Epipen
• Epipen jr
• Levarterenol
• Levophed
• Norepinephrine
• Northera
• Symjepi