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sympathomimetic drug
sympathomimetic drug , any of a group of substances whose actions resemble the response of stimulated sympathetic nerves (see nervous system ). These drugs include epinephrine and other catecholamines that are naturally produced in the body, and chemically similar substances such as ephedrine . Sympathomimetic drugs excite the central nervous system and heart and affect the diameter of blood vessels. They are used as decongestants and to alleviate bronchial asthma . Because they inhibit the production of the body substance histamine , they are prescribed for allergic conditions along with antihistamines . |
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"sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-sympatho.html "sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-sympatho.html |
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sympathomimetic
sympathomimetic (sim-pă-thoh-mi-met-ik) adj. having the effect of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system by acting at alpha or beta receptors (see adrenergic (receptor)). Sympathomimetic drugs include alpha-adrenergic stimulants (alpha agonists), such as ephedrine, phenylephrine, metaraminol, apraclonidine, and brimonidine; and beta-adrenergic stimulants (beta agonists), such as dobutamine, salbutamol, salmeterol, and terbutaline.
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"sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-sympathomimetic.html "sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-sympathomimetic.html |
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