Sympathomimetic drug

Mechanisms of action

The mechanisms of sympathomimetic drugs are to act as catecholamine synthesis precursors, norepinephrine transporter blockade, adrenergic receptor agonism, inhibition of epinephrine and norepinephrine metabolism and/or cholinergic inhibition.

Synthesis precursor

Synthesis precursors of catecholamines stimulate the catecholamine synthesis. One example is levodopa.

Norepinephrine transporter blockade

Classical sympathomimetic drugs are norepinephrine transporter (NET) activity. NET is a transport protein expressed on the surface of some cells that clears noradrenaline and adrenaline from the extracellular space and into cells, terminating the signaling effects.

Adrenergic receptor agonism

Main article: Adrenergic agonist

Direct stimulation of the α- and β-adrenergic receptors can produce sympathomimetic effects. β_2-agonist.

Inhibition of epinephrine and norepinephrine metabolism

Inhibition of norepinephrine metabolism can produce sympathomimetic effects. Norepinephrine is mainly metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs can induce such effects.

Cholinergic inhibition

Sympathomimetic drugs may also work by inhibiting the opposite system, i.e. the parasympathetic system. It does so by inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine receptors,

• synaptic vesicle release inhibitors:
  • botulinum toxin
• ACh receptor inhibitors
  • muscarinic)
  • scopolamine (M1 receptors)
  • tubocurarine (Muscle type nicotinic

Cross-reactivity

Substances like cocaine also affect serotonin.

Norepinephrine is synthesized by the body into epinephrine, causing central nervous system stimulation. Thus, all sympathomimetic amines fall into the larger group of psychoactive drug chart). Many of these stimulants have therepeutic use and abuse potential, can induce tolerance, and possibly physical dependence.

See also

• Sympathetic nervous system

v • d • e A08 and others)
Alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone • Aminorex • l,d-Amphetamine • d-Methamphetamine & l-Methamphetamine • Benzylpiperazine • Cathinone • CFT • Chlorphentermine • Clobenzorex • Cocaine • Cyclopentamine • Desoxypipradrol • Diethylpropion • Ephedrine • 4-FMP • 4-MTA • Fencamfamine • Fenfluramine • Fenproporex • Mazindol • MDPV • 4-Methyl-aminorex • Methylone • Methylphenidate • Naphazoline • Pemoline • Phendimetrazine • Phenmetrazine • Phentermine • Phenylephrine • Pipradrol • Pseudoephedrine • Pyrovalerone • Sibutramine • Synephrine
See also amphetamines

v • d • e Psychoanaleptics: Vinpocetine

v • d • e Phenylephrine

v • d • e Ophthalmologicals: antiglaucoma preparations and miotics (Dapiprazole • Guanethidine

v • d • e Ophthalmologicals: mydriatics and cycloplegics (Phenylephrine - Ephedrine - Ibopamine