6.10 : Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.

Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α₂-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.

Allergies and anaphylaxis: Parenteral epinephrine is highly effective in treating allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, relieving symptoms such as itching, hives, edema, and airway narrowing. It suppresses the release of mediators like histamine.

Respiratory conditions: β-agonists are used to treat asthma. Isoproterenol, epinephrine, and selective β₂-agonists like salmeterol are commonly used bronchodilators.

Central nervous system disorders: Indirect and mixed-acting agonists with good CNS penetration regulate brain dysfunction in conditions like narcolepsy and ADHD, producing mood-enhancing and stimulatory effects.

Nasal decongestion: Oxymetazoline and other nasal decongestants are employed to treat colds, rhinitis, sinusitis, and blocked noses in various forms.

Ophthalmology: Phenylephrine is utilized as a mydriatic in eyedrops for fundus examination.

Incontinence treatment: β₃-agonists like mirabegron are employed to treat urinary incontinence.

Adrenergic agonists have many therapeutic applications. They provide valuable interventions in emergencies and help manage various medical conditions.