BP402T · Semester 4 · B.Pharm
Unit II — Drugs Acting on the Autonomic Nervous System
Medicinal Chemistry
This study page introduces Drugs Acting on the Autonomic Nervous System in Medicinal Chemistry (BP402T), B.Pharm Semester 4. Read the selected definitions and short notes below, then download the full unit PDF.
Topics in this unit
- Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Agents
- Anti-adrenergic (Sympatholytic) Agents
- Cholinergic (Parasympathomimetic) Agents — Unit II
- Anti-cholinergic (Parasympatholytic) Agents
- Local Anesthetic Agents
- Synthesis Handbook — Starred Drugs of Units I–II
Definitions and short notes
Selected extracts from this unit’s notes. Download the full PDF below for the remaining topics and examples.
Sympatholytic agent
A drug that blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system. Simple meaning: it blocks the "fight-or-flight" messages that adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) carry to organs. Anti-adrenergic agent — A drug that acts against adrenaline-like signals. It either blocks the receptors that adrenaline binds to, or reduces the amount of adrenaline available. (Sympatholytic and anti-adrenergic are used almost interchangeably.)
Unit PDF · page 20
Fight-or-flight response
The body's emergency mode: heart beats faster and harder, blood vessels tighten, pupils widen, airways open. It is switched on by adrenaline acting on adrenergic receptors. Adrenergic receptor — A protein "lock" on the surface of cells that adrenaline or noradrenaline (the "keys") fit into. The two big families are alpha receptors and beta receptors. Alpha receptor — An adrenergic receptor type found mainly on blood vessel walls. When switched on, blood vessels tighten (constrict) and blood pressure rises. There are two subtypes you must know: alpha1 (on vessels — tightening) and alpha2 (on nerve endings and in the brain — a feedback brake).
Unit PDF · page 20
Download notes
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For education and exam preparation only, not medical advice or current regulatory guidance.