VPT 321: Veterinary Neuropharmacology (2+1)

ANTIADRENERGIC DRUGS / ADRENERGIC ANTAGONISTS 

• These are drugs that interfere with the functions of the sympathetic nervous system either by blocking the adrenergic receptors or by interfering the synthesis, storage or release of nor adrenaline in sympathetic nerve terminals.
• Accordingly these drugs are divided into two groups:
  • Adrenergic receptor antagonists
  • Adrenergic neuron blocking drugs

Differences between two are

Adrenergic receptor antagonists	Adrenergic neuron blocking drugs
Act on post junctional or pre junctional Receptors	Act on adrenergic neuron membrane (pre junctional)
Act by blocking adrenoceptors (alpha and beta)	Act by inhibiting synthesis, storage or release of nor adrenaline
Effects of exogenous adrenergic drugs is blocked	Not blocked