Summary Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System

Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System Overview of the ANS • Consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. • Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system are called adrenergics. • Adrenergics are also called adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics because they mimic the effects of the SNS neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine (catecholamines). Summary of sympathetic neurons and synapses Preganglionic neurons • Short • Synapse with postganglionic neurons near spinal cord • Release acetylcholine (ACH) to activate nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons Summary of sympathetic neurons and synapses Postganglionic neurons • Long • Synapse on the target organ • Release norepinephrine to activate adrenergic receptors on target organs Summary of parasympathetic neurons and synapses Preganglionic neurons • Long • Synapse with postganglionic neurons at or near organ • Release acetylcholine (ACH) to activate nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons Summary of parasympathetic neurons and synapses Postganglionic neurons