Ganglionic blocker
This article needs attention from an expert in pharmacology. See the talk page for details. (August 2015) |
A ganglionic blocker (or ganglioplegic) is a type of medication that inhibits transmission between
Because ganglionic blockers block both the parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system, the effect of these drugs depends upon the dominant tone in the organ system.[2]
The opposite of a ganglionic blocker is referred to as a ganglionic stimulant. Some substances can exhibit both stimulating and blocking effects on autonomic ganglia, depending on dosage and/or duration of action. An example for such a "dual" action is nicotine, which does this via depolarization block (see classification below).
Examples
The first ganglion-blocker to be used clinically was tetraethylammonium, although it was soon superseded by better drugs.[3]
Nicotinic receptor antagonists:
- hexamethonium
- pentolinium
- mecamylamine
- trimetaphan
- tubocurarine
- pempidine
- benzohexonium
- chlorisondamine
- pentamine
Nicotinic receptor agonists (acting through
Blocking ACh release in autonomic ganglia (although these have many other actions elsewhere):
Uses
Ganglionic blockers are used less frequently now than they were in the past, because
Side effects
- Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension with or without reflex tachycardia
- ENT/glands: xerostomia, dry eyes, blurred vision, reduced bronchial secretion, hypohidrosis
- GIT: gastroparesis, constipation, urinary retention
- Sexual dysfunction: failure of erection and ejaculation
- in overdose risk of peripheral
See also
References
- ^ Ganglionic+blockers at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- ^ "PHARMACOLOGY OF GANGLIONIC TRANSMISSION, 1998". Archived from the original on 2008-05-01. Retrieved 2008-10-04.
- ^ Drill's Pharmacology in Medicine, 4th Ed. (1971). J. R. DiPalma (Ed.), pp. 723-724, New York: McGraw-Hill.
- ISBN 9780702034718.
- ISBN 9780323039611.