sympathomimetic drug

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 .

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-sympatho.html

"sympathomimetic drug." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-sympatho.html

Learn more about citation styles

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.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-sympathomimetic.html

"sympathomimetic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-sympathomimetic.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Aspirin. (Drugs, Pregnancy, and Lactation).
Magazine article from: OB GYN News; 11/1/2002
Black Box initiative for ADHD drugs stirs controversy: panel proposes,...
Magazine article from: Pediatric News; 3/1/2006
DAVA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Fort Lee, NJ, Sept. 21, (DDMAC).(HUMAN DRUGS &...
Newspaper article from: Warning Letter Bulletin; 10/1/2006
sympathomimetic drug images
sympathomimetic drug. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)