What are sympathomimetic drugs?

Sympathomimetic drugs are medications that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by stimulating adrenergic receptors. They can act as alpha agonists, beta agonists, or mixed receptor agonists.

What is the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of sympathomimetic drugs?

The SAR of sympathomimetic drugs shows that N-alkyl substitution increases potency at beta receptors, phenol groups enhance beta receptor activity, alpha-substitution improves alpha-2 selectivity, and N-alkyl extension favors beta selectivity.

What are examples of sympathomimetic drugs?

Examples include phenylephrine and clonidine (alpha agonists), and isoproterenol and salbutamol (beta agonists). Their receptor selectivity depends on chemical modifications.

What conditions are sympathomimetic drugs used to treat?

Sympathomimetic drugs are used in the treatment of asthma, nasal congestion, hypotension, cardiac arrest, and other conditions requiring stimulation of adrenergic receptors.

Sympathomimetic Drugs (Part II): Alpha and Beta Receptor Selectivity (SAR)

Ahmed Gad December 16, 2021 Study corner

Sympathomimetic drugs Part II

Selectivity for alpha versus β receptors (SAR):

Sympathomimetic drugs (Part II)
N-alkyl substitution… increases potency at β and decreases potency at alpha receptors.
Phenol group…important for β more than alpha agonists.
alpha-substitution…increases alpha2 selectivity.
N-alkyl extension… good for β selectivity.