Sympathetic blocking agents, also known as sympathetic blockers or adrenergic blockers, refer to a class of medications or substances that inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which includes increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. Sympathetic blocking agents work by blocking or counteracting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
These agents can be further classified into selective and non-selective blockers. Selective sympathetic blocking agents primarily target specific receptors in the sympathetic nervous system, such as beta blockers that primarily act on beta-adrenergic receptors. On the other hand, non-selective sympathetic blocking agents target multiple receptors, blocking both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors.
By blocking sympathetic neurotransmitter receptors, sympathetic blocking agents can have various physiological effects. These include reducing heart rate and blood pressure, relaxing blood vessels, decreasing adrenaline release, and decreasing other effects associated with sympathetic stimulation. Due to their ability to modulate the sympathetic nervous system, sympathetic blocking agents are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and certain types of heart attacks.
It is important to note that sympathetic blocking agents may have side effects, as they interfere with the body's natural sympathetic responses. These can include fatigue, dizziness, bronchial constriction, and changes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, their use should only be administered under medical supervision, and a healthcare professional should determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment.
