Here is the complete ANS Pharmacology content in text form:
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM PHARMACOLOGY
1. ANS OVERVIEW
Parasympathetic (PNS) — "Rest & Digest"
- Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh)
- Receptors: Muscarinic (M) + Nicotinic (N)
- Effects: ↓ HR, ↑ GIT motility, ↑ secretions, miosis, bronchospasm
Sympathetic (SNS) — "Fight or Flight"
- Neurotransmitter: Noradrenaline (NE)
- Receptors: α1, α2, β1, β2
- Effects: ↑ HR, vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, mydriasis, glycogenolysis
2. CHOLINERGIC RECEPTORS
Muscarinic Receptors (M1–M5)
| Subtype | Location | Effect |
|---|
| M1 | Neurons, gastric glands | ↑ secretion, CNS excitation |
| M2 | Heart | ↓ HR, ↓ conduction |
| M3 | Smooth muscle, glands | Contraction, ↑ secretion |
| M4 | CNS | Modulation |
| M5 | CNS | Dopamine release |
Nicotinic Receptors
- Nm (muscle-type): Neuromuscular junction → muscle contraction
- Nn (neural-type): Autonomic ganglia (both PNS + SNS)
- Ligand-gated Na⁺/K⁺ ion channels
3. CHOLINERGIC AGONISTS (PARASYMPATHOMIMETICS)
Classification
A. Direct Acting — bind ACh receptors directly
Choline Esters:
- Acetylcholine (ACh)
- Bethanechol — stimulates bladder/bowel after surgery
- Carbachol — glaucoma
- Methacholine
Alkaloids:
- Pilocarpine — glaucoma (reduces IOP)
B. Indirect Acting (Anticholinesterases) — inhibit AChE enzyme → ACh accumulates
Reversible (Intermediate):
- Physostigmine
- Neostigmine
- Pyridostigmine
- Edrophonium (short acting — used for diagnosis)
- Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine (Alzheimer's)
Irreversible (Long-acting — Organophosphates):
- Parathion, Malathion (pesticides)
- Echothiophate, Isofluorophate
Mechanism of Action
- Direct: bind muscarinic or nicotinic receptors
- Indirect: inhibit acetylcholinesterase → ACh builds up in synapse
Pharmacological Effects
- Heart: ↓ HR, ↓ force of contraction, ↓ conduction velocity
- Smooth Muscle: ↑ GIT motility, ↑ bronchial tone, sphincter relaxation
- Glands: ↑ salivary, gastric, lacrimal, bronchial secretions
- Eye: Miosis (pupil constriction), ↓ IOP, spasm of accommodation
Therapeutic Uses
- Myasthenia Gravis — Diagnosis: Edrophonium | Treatment: Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine
- Bladder/Bowel stimulation post-surgery — Bethanechol
- Glaucoma — Pilocarpine
- Atropine intoxication — Physostigmine
- Reversal of non-depolarizing NMB — Neostigmine
- Alzheimer's disease — Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine
Side Effects — "DUMBELS" Mnemonic
- D — Diarrhea
- U — Urination (incontinence)
- M — Miosis
- B — Bronchospasm + Bradycardia
- E — Emesis + Excitation of skeletal muscles
- L — Lacrimation
- S — Salivation + Sweating
Contraindications
Bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, coronary insufficiency, mechanical obstruction of GIT/urinary tract, Parkinsonism
Reversal of Organophosphate (OPC) Poisoning
- Atropine — blocks muscarinic effects (give large doses)
- Pralidoxime (2-PAM) — reactivates AChE (must give EARLY before "aging")
4. CHOLINERGIC ANTAGONISTS (ANTIMUSCARINICS)
Classification
1. Natural Alkaloids
- Atropine
- Hyoscine (Scopolamine)
2. Semisynthetic Derivatives
- Homatropine
- Ipratropium bromide
- Tiotropium bromide
3. Synthetic Compounds
Mydriatics (eye):
- Cyclopentolate, Tropicamide, Eucatropine
Antisecretory/Antispasmodic:
- Propantheline, Glycopyrrolate, Pirenzepine (M1 selective — peptic ulcer)
Vesicle-selective (Bladder):
- Oxybutynin, Tolterodine, Flavoxate
Antiparkinsonian:
- Trihexyphenidyl (Benzhexol), Benztropine, Biperiden, Procyclidine
Mechanism of Action
Competitive pharmacological antagonists — block ACh from binding muscarinic receptors. Effects can be overcome by increasing ACh concentration.
Pharmacological Effects
| Organ | Effect |
|---|
| Eye | Mydriasis, cycloplegia (no near focus), ↑ IOP, ↓ lacrimation |
| Heart | Low dose → bradycardia; High dose → tachycardia (vagal block) |
| GIT | ↓ motility, ↓ gastric secretion |
| Urinary tract | Detrusor relaxation, ↑ sphincter tone → urinary retention |
| Secretions | ↓ saliva (dry mouth), ↓ sweat (hyperthermia), ↓ bronchial secretion |
| Respiratory | Bronchodilation, ↓ mucus secretion |
| CNS | Stimulant (overdose) or depressant (antiemetic — hyoscine) |
Therapeutic Uses
- Smooth muscle spasms — Atropine (intestinal, biliary, renal colic)
- Bronchial asthma — Ipratropium (prophylaxis), Atropine (acute)
- Peptic ulcer / hyperacidity — Pirenzepine
- Ophthalmology — examination, glasses fitting, eye inflammation
- Vestibular disorders / motion sickness — Hyoscine
- OPC poisoning antidote — Atropine
- Parkinson's disease — Trihexyphenidyl, Benztropine
- Pre-anesthetic medication — ↓ secretions, prevent bradycardia
- Urinary urgency — Oxybutynin, Tolterodine
Side Effects
Dry mouth, hyperthermia, tachycardia, blurred vision, photophobia, hallucinations/delirium, urinary retention
Memory trick: "Hot as a hare, Blind as a bat, Dry as a bone, Red as a beet, Mad as a hatter"
Contraindications
- Glaucoma (↑ IOP risk)
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- CHF with tachycardia
- Infants (danger of hyperthermia)
5. GANGLIONIC BLOCKERS (ANTINICOTINIC)
Classification
Competitive (Non-depolarizing):
- Hexamethonium, Trimethaphan, Mecamylamine
Depolarizing:
- Nicotine (large dose), Anticholinesterases (large dose)
Mechanism of Action
Block nerve impulse transmission across BOTH sympathetic AND parasympathetic ganglia → mixed autonomic blockade
Effects
- ↓ BP → orthostatic hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Mydriasis, cycloplegia
- ↓ Salivation, lacrimation, sweating
Therapeutic Uses
- Hypertensive crisis
- Controlled hypotension (during surgery)
- Pulmonary/cerebral edema with ↑ BP
- Spasm of peripheral arteries
Nicotine Toxicology
- ↑ HR and BP (by blocking PNS and stimulating SNS, releasing adrenaline)
- ↑ Thrombus formation (activates thromboxane A2 synthesis)
6. NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKING AGENTS (NMBAs)
Classification
1. Non-Depolarizing (Competitive Blockers):
- Tubocurarine, Metocurine, Pancuronium, Vecuronium, Atracurium, Gallamine
2. Depolarizing:
- Succinylcholine (Suxamethonium) — rapid onset, short duration
- Decamethonium
3. Mixed:
Mechanism of Action
Non-Depolarizing:
- Competitive antagonists of NM nicotinic receptors
- Block Na⁺ channels → no depolarization → paralysis
- Reversed by: Neostigmine + Atropine
Depolarizing:
- Mimic ACh at NMJ but act much longer
- Prolonged depolarization → Na⁺ channels inactivate → depolarization block
- NO reversal agent available
Sequence of Paralysis
Non-depolarizing (small → large muscles):
Eye/Face → Limbs/Fingers → Neck/Trunk → Intercostals → Diaphragm (last)
Depolarizing (large → small muscles):
Chest/Abdomen → Mastication/Face → Larynx/Pharynx
(Recovery occurs in reverse order)
Therapeutic Uses
- Surgical anesthesia (muscle relaxation)
- Endotracheal intubation and endoscopy
- ECT — prevent trauma and convulsions
- Ophthalmic surgery
- Tetanus and epilepsy
- Ventilator control
- Pre-medication
Side Effects
Non-depolarizing:
Dizziness, muscle weakness, hypoxia, respiratory paralysis, hypotension, tachycardia, bronchospasm, ↓ GIT motility
Depolarizing:
Post-operative muscle pain, bradycardia, ↑ K⁺ (hyperkalemia), ↑ IOP, prolonged paralysis, apnea, malignant hyperthermia
Contraindications to Tubocurarine
Bronchial asthma, myasthenia gravis, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, impaired cardiac/hepatic/renal function, pregnancy, lactation
7. ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS
| Receptor | Location | Effects |
|---|
| α1 | Blood vessels, eye, bladder | Vasoconstriction, mydriasis, ↑ sphincter tone, ↑ BP |
| α2 | Presynaptic terminals, platelets | ↓ NE release, platelet aggregation, ↓ insulin secretion |
| β1 | Heart, kidney (JGA) | ↑ HR, ↑ contractility, ↑ renin secretion |
| β2 | Bronchi, uterus, vessels | Bronchodilation, uterine relaxation, vasodilation, glycogenolysis |
Memory trick: α1 = constrict | α2 = inhibit | β1 = heart beats | β2 = breathe & relax
8. ADRENERGIC AGONISTS (SYMPATHOMIMETICS)
Classification
α1 Agonists:
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant, ocular exam)
- Methoxamine
α2 Agonists:
- Clonidine (antihypertensive — central action)
- α-methylnoradrenaline
β1 Agonists:
- Dobutamine (CHF)
- Prenalterol
β2 Agonists (SABAs and LABAs):
- Salbutamol (Albuterol) — bronchial asthma, premature labor
- Terbutaline
- Orciprenaline
- Salmeterol, Formoterol (long-acting — LABAs)
α + β (Non-selective):
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine) — α1, α2, β1, β2
- Noradrenaline — α1, α2, β1
- Isoproterenol (Isoprenaline) — β1 + β2 only
α-β Mixed:
- Ephedrine (indirect + direct)
- Dopamine (dose-dependent)
Mechanism of Action
- Direct: bind adrenoceptors directly
- Indirect: ↑ release of NE from terminals, ↓ reuptake of catecholamines, ↑ release of stored catecholamines, MAO inhibition
Pharmacological Effects by Receptor
- α1: vasoconstriction, ↑ BP, mydriasis, salivary secretion, hepatic glycogenolysis
- α2: ↓ NE release, ↓ insulin, platelet aggregation, ↑ vagal tone
- β1: cardiac stimulation, ↑ HR, ↑ contractility, ↑ lipolysis
- β2: bronchodilation, vasodilation, uterine relaxation, glycogenolysis, tremors
Key Drug — Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
The Prototype Adrenergic Agonist
- Acts on ALL adrenoceptors (α1, α2, β1, β2)
- Uses: Anaphylaxis (1st line — 0.5 mg IM), acute asthma, open-angle glaucoma, cardiac arrest, added to local anesthetics (prolongs duration)
- S/E: Headache, restlessness, ↑ BP, palpitation, anxiety
Drug-Specific Therapeutic Uses
| Drug | Use |
|---|
| Adrenaline | Anaphylaxis, acute asthma, glaucoma, cardiac arrest |
| Noradrenaline | Shock (vasopressor) |
| Dobutamine | Congestive heart failure (CHF) |
| Dopamine | Cardiogenic/septic shock, CHF |
| Phenylephrine | Nasal decongestant, ocular examination |
| Salbutamol | Bronchial asthma, premature labor |
| Isoproterenol | Bronchodilator, cardiac stimulant |
| Clonidine | Hypertension (central α2 agonist) |
Contraindications
- α-agonists: Hypertension, hyperthyroidism, DM, pregnancy
- β-agonists: CHF, hyperlipidemia, angina
9. ADRENERGIC ANTAGONISTS
A. ALPHA (α) BLOCKERS
Non-Selective (α1 + α2):
- Phenoxybenzamine — non-competitive (irreversible)
- Phentolamine — competitive
- Ergotamine — partial agonist
- Tolazoline, Chlorpromazine
Selective α1-Blockers:
- Prazosin, Terazosin, Doxazosin
- Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin (prostate-selective)
- Indoramin
Effects:
- ↓ vasoconstriction → ↓ peripheral resistance → ↓ BP
- α2 block → ↑ NE release → reflex tachycardia (non-selective only)
Therapeutic Uses:
- Hypertension — Prazosin
- Pheochromocytoma — Phentolamine
- Peripheral vascular disease
- BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) — Tamsulosin
- Erectile dysfunction
Side Effects:
- Postural hypotension (especially 1st dose — "1st dose phenomenon")
- Palpitation, tachycardia
- ↓ Ejaculation / impotence
- Nasal stuffiness
- Miosis
B. BETA (β) BLOCKERS
Classification:
Non-Selective (β1 + β2):
- Without ISA: Propranolol, Timolol, Nadolol, Sotalol, Carteolol
- With ISA: Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Alprenolol
- With vasodilating properties: Carvedilol, Dilevalol
Cardioselective (β1-selective):
- Atenolol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, Acebutolol
- Betaxolol, Esmolol, Nebivolol, Celiprolol
α + β Blockers:
β1 Blockade Effects:
- ↓ HR (negative chronotropy)
- ↓ Contractility (negative inotropy)
- ↓ Conduction velocity (negative dromotropy)
- ↓ Renin secretion
- ↓ Cardiac output
β2 Blockade Effects (Unwanted):
- Bronchoconstriction — dangerous in asthma
- Vasoconstriction → cold extremities
- Uterine contraction
- ↓ Glucose tolerance (masks hypoglycemia in DM)
- ↑ TG, ↓ HDL
Therapeutic Uses:
- Hypertension (1st line)
- Angina pectoris
- Tachyarrhythmias
- Post-MI (cardioprotection)
- CHF — Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol
- Obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Pheochromocytoma (combined with α-blocker)
- Thyrotoxicosis (↓ symptoms)
- Glaucoma — Timolol (eye drops)
- Migraine prophylaxis — Propranolol
- Anxiety / performance anxiety
- Esophageal varices / cirrhosis
- Alcohol withdrawal
Side Effects:
- Bradycardia
- Precipitation of CHF
- Cold extremities
- Bronchoconstriction / acute asthmatic attack
- Insomnia, depression
- Fatigue, weakness
- ↑ TG, ↓ HDL
- Rebound hypertension on abrupt withdrawal
Contraindications:
- CHF (acute decompensated)
- COPD / Bronchial Asthma
- Bradycardia / heart block
- DM (masks hypoglycemic symptoms)
⚠ Never stop β-blockers abruptly — taper slowly to avoid rebound hypertension/angina
10. RAPID REVIEW — KEY DRUGS AT A GLANCE
| Drug | Class | Main Use | Key Side Effect |
|---|
| Pilocarpine | Cholinomimetic (direct) | Glaucoma | Miosis, bronchospasm |
| Neostigmine | AChE inhibitor | Myasthenia gravis (Rx) | DUMBELS |
| Edrophonium | AChE inhibitor (short) | MG diagnosis | DUMBELS (brief) |
| Atropine | Antimuscarinic | OPC poisoning, pre-med | Dry mouth, tachy, mydriasis |
| Ipratropium | Antimuscarinic | Asthma (prophylaxis) | Dry mouth (minimal systemic) |
| Succinylcholine | Depolarizing NMBA | Rapid intubation | Malignant hyperthermia, ↑K⁺ |
| Adrenaline | α+β agonist | Anaphylaxis (1st line) | ↑ BP, palpitation, anxiety |
| Salbutamol | β2 agonist | Acute bronchospasm | Tremor, tachycardia |
| Propranolol | Non-selective β-blocker | HTN, angina, arrhythmia | Bronchoconstriction ⚠ |
| Prazosin | α1-selective blocker | HTN, BPH | 1st-dose postural hypotension |
| Clonidine | α2 agonist (central) | Hypertension | Sedation, dry mouth |
| Dopamine | Dose-dependent α+β | Shock, CHF | ↑ HR, arrhythmias |
KEY MNEMONICS SUMMARY
- DUMBELS = Cholinergic side effects (Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis, Bronchospasm, Excitation, Lacrimation, Salivation)
- "Hot as a hare, Blind as a bat, Dry as a bone, Red as a beet, Mad as a hatter" = Atropine/Antimuscarinic toxicity
- α1 = Constrict blood vessels and pupils
- β1 = Heart (1 heart — beats faster and harder)
- β2 = Lungs + Uterus (2 openings — bronchi dilate, uterus relaxes)
- Succinylcholine warning = Malignant hyperthermia + hyperkalemia → avoid in burns, crush injury, myopathy
- Non-depolarizing NMB reversal = Neostigmine + Atropine
- Depolarizing NMB = NO reversal agent