Dopamine

Dopastat, Intropin, Revimine

Action:

Naturally occurring neurotransmitter and immediate precursor of norepinephrine. Major

cardiovascular effects produced by direct action on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors
and on specific dopaminergic receptors in mesenteric and renal vascular beds.

Classifications:

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ALPHA- AND BETA-ADRENERGIC

AGONIST (SYMPATHOMIMETIC)

Indication:

To correct hemodynamic imbalance in shock syndrome due to MI (cardiogenic shock),

trauma, endotoxic septicemia (septic shock), open heart surgery, and CHF.

Epinephrine

Action:

Naturally occurring catecholamine obtained from animal adrenal glands; also prepared
synthetically. Acts directly on both alpha and beta receptors; the most potent activator of
alpha receptors. Strengthens myocardial contraction; increases systolic but may decrease
diastolic blood pressure; increases cardiac rate and cardiac output.

Classifications:

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ALPHA- AND BETA-ADRENERGIC

AGONIST; BRONCHODILATOR

Indication:

Temporary relief of bronchospasm, acute asthmatic attack, mucosal congestion,

hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions, syncope due to heart block or carotid sinus
hypersensitivity, and to restore cardiac rhythm in cardiac arrest. Ophthalmic preparation
is used in management of simple (open-angle) glaucoma, generally as an adjunct to
topical miotics and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors; also used as ophthalmic
decongestant. Relaxes myometrium and inhibits uterine contractions; prolongs action and
delays systemic absorption of local and intraspinal anesthetics. Used topically to control
superficial bleeding.

Atropine Sulfate

Acts by selectively blocking all muscarinic responses to acetylcholine (ACh), whether

excitatory or inhibitory. Selective depression of CNS relieves rigidity and tremor of
Parkinson’s syndrome. Antisecretory action (vagolytic effect) suppresses sweating,
lacrimation, salivation, and secretions from nose, mouth, pharynx, and bronchi. Blocks
vagal impulses to heart with resulting decrease in AV conduction time, increase in heart
rate and cardiac output, and shortened PR interval.

Classifications:

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ANTICHOLINERGIC (PARA-

SYMPATHOLYTIC); ANTIMUSCARINIC

INDICATION:

Adjunct in symptomatic treatment of GI disorders (e.g., peptic ulcer, pylorospasm, GI

hypermotility, irritable bowel syndrome) and spastic disorders of biliary tract. Relaxes
upper GI tract and colon during hypotonic radiography. Ophthalmic Use: To produce
mydriasis and cycloplegia before refraction and for treatment of anterior uveitis and iritis.
Preoperative Use: To suppress salivation, perspiration, and respiratory tract secretions; to
reduce incidence of laryngospasm, reflex bradycardia arrhythmia, and hypotension
during general anesthesia. Cardiac Uses: For sinus bradycardia or asystole during CPR or
that is induced by drugs or toxic substances (e.g., pilocarpine, beta-adrenergic blockers,
organophosphate pesticides, and Amanita mushroom poisoning); for management of
selected patients with symptomatic sinus bradycardia and associated hypotension and
ventricular irritability; for diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction and in evaluation of
coronary artery disease during atrial pacing.