Word parts
What it means
A drug that switches on the same receptorrih-SEP-terA structure on or in a cell that a specific chemical, such as a hormone or drug, attaches to in order to act.Full entry as the body's own epinephrineep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.Full entry and norepinephrinenor-ep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.Full entry , copying the sympathetic nervous systemsim-puh-THET-ik NER-vus SIS-tumThe branch of the autonomic nervous system that gets the body ready for stress or danger ("fight or flight").Full entry . Alpha-1 receptors tighten blood vessels, beta-1 receptors make the heart beat faster and harder, and beta-2 receptors open the airways. Examples are epinephrine for anaphylaxis, norepinephrine, phenylephrine and dopamine to raise blood pressure in shock, dobutamine for heart failure and albuterol for asthma. Also called sympathomimetics.
For the nurse
ISMP lists IV adrenergic agonists as high-alert medications. Give IV forms on a pump, watch blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm closely, and check the IV site often, because some of these drugs damage tissue if they leak out of the vein.
At a glance
| Drug class | adrenergic agonist (sympathomimetic) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | agonista adrenérgico |
| Also written | adrenergic agonists, sympathomimetic, sympathomimetics |
Related terms
epinephrine
A hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
receptor
A structure on or in a cell that a specific chemical, such as a hormone or drug, attaches to in order to act.
sympathetic nervous system
The branch of the autonomic nervous system that gets the body ready for stress or danger ("fight or flight").
shock
A life-threatening state in which blood flow is too low to bring enough oxygen to the body's tissues.