Part 5: Autonomic Pharmacology
The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and glandular secretion. Drugs targeting the ANS are among the most commonly prescribed medications, affecting sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") pathways.
Topics in This Part
5.1 ANS Overview
Sympathetic vs parasympathetic, neurotransmitters, receptor types
5.2 Cholinergic Drugs
Direct/indirect agonists, muscarinic/nicotinic effects, clinical uses
5.3 Anticholinergics
Muscarinic blockers, atropine, scopolamine, adverse effects
5.4 Adrenergic Drugs
α/β agonists, catecholamines, sympathomimetics
5.5 Adrenergic Blockers
α-blockers, β-blockers, clinical applications
5.6 Neuromuscular Blockers
Depolarizing/non-depolarizing, succinylcholine, rocuronium
ANS Receptor Summary
Cholinergic (Parasympathetic)
- • M1-M5: Muscarinic (GPCRs)
- • Nm: Nicotinic muscle
- • Nn: Nicotinic neuronal
Adrenergic (Sympathetic)
- • α1: Vasoconstriction
- • α2: Presynaptic inhibition
- • β1: Cardiac stimulation
- • β2: Bronchodilation