Medication used in critical emergency

1. 
 Stimulates α and β adrenoceptors
 At low doses adrenaline has predominantly β
adrenoceptor actions.

2. 
 Improves myocardial contractility (positive inotropic
effect) as a result of increased influx of calcium into
cardiac fibres.
 Increases cardiac rate (positive chronotropic effect
 Improve atrio-ventricular conduction (positive
dromotropic effect).

3. 
 In low doses adrenaline decreases total peripheral
vascular resistance and lower blood pressure
 In large doses Adrenaline activates α receptors in the
peripheral vascular system which increases
resistance and raises blood pressure.
 Net response is often vasodilation
 Bronchodilation
 Inhibits insulin secretion and decreases the uptake of
glucose by peripheral tissues, thus raising blood
glucose level.

4. 
 β-blockers such as proponolol, atenolol, bisoprolol,
metoprolol etc.
 Entacapone
 Digitalis glycosides
 Halogenated anaesthetics such as halothane,
enflurane, isoflurane
 Tricyclic antidepressants
 Oxytocics
Drug interactions

5. 
 Nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, tachycardia,
tremors, sweating, hypertension, nausea, vomitting,
pallor and weakness.
 Entacapone
 Digitalis glycosides
 Halogenated anaesthetics such as halothane,
enflurane, isoflurane
 Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase
inhibitors antidepressants, cocaine
 Oxytocics
Adverse reactions

6. 
 Diabetes mellitus
 Closed angle-glaucoma
 Hypertension
 Ischaemic heart disease
 Hyperthyroidism
 Parkinson’s disease

7. 
 Knights, K & Kathleen, B 2011, Pharmacology for
health professionals, Chapter 12, Elsevier,
Chatswood, Australia.
REFERENCE