Drugs which mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, and used in
the treatment of cardiac arrest and hypotension.
Inotropic Sympathomimetics:
Agent | Effects |
Dobutamine | Increase cariac muscle contractility, but not rate |
Dopamine Hydrochloride | As above |
Dopexamine Hydrochloride | Increases renal perfusion |
Vasoconstrictor Sympathomimetics:
Agent | Increased BP and other
effects |
Metaraminol | Emergency treatment of hypotension
(IV). |
Ephedrine Hydrochloride | Reverses hypotension from epidural or
spinal anaesthesia (IV), and raises heart rate. (Methoxamine raises
BP without also raising heart rate.)
|
Noradrenaline | Treatment of acute hypotension (IV by central line). |
Phenylephrine | Treatment of acute hypotension
(IM, IV, or subcutaneous). |