Iris Dawn Tabangcora, RN, Author at Nurseslabs

Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics)

Adrenergic agonists are autonomic nervous system drugs that stimulate the adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), either directly (by reacting with receptor sites) or indirectly (by increasing norepinephrine levels). An adrenergic agonist is also called a sympathomimetic because it stimulates the effects of SNS.

Nursing Pharmacology

Adrenergic Antagonists (Sympatholytics)

Adrenergic antagonists are also referred to as sympatholytics because they lyse, or block, the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. They react with specific adrenergic receptor sites without activating them, thus preventing the typical manifestations of SNS activation.

Nursing Pharmacology

Anticholinergics (Parasympatholytics)

Anticholinergics are drugs that oppose the effects of acetylcholine. In essence, they also lyse and block the effects of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) so they are also called as parasympatholytics.

Nursing Pharmacology

Cholinergic Agonists (Parasympathomimetics)

Cholinergic agonists act at the same site as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and increase the activity of the ACh receptor sites throughout the body.

Nursing Pharmacology

Immunostimulants (Interferons, Interleukins)

Immunostimulants or immune stimulants are drugs that energize the immune system when it is exhausted from fighting prolonged invasion or when the immune system needs help fighting a specific pathogen or cancer cell. It is one of the classifications of drug class called immunomodulators.

Nursing Pharmacology

Immunosuppressants (Immunomodulators, Interleukin Receptor Antagonists)

mmunosuppressants or immune suppressants are usually used in conjunction with corticosteroids to block inflammatory reaction and decrease initial damage to cells in cases of organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.

Nursing Pharmacology

Antiarthritic Drugs

Antiarthritic agents are drugs that are also used to block the inflammatory process. Antiarthritic drugs include gold compounds.

Nursing Pharmacology

Salicylates

Salicylates are salicylic acid compounds with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever-blocking), and analgesic (pain-blocking) properties. These drugs are widely available as nonprescription drugs and are relatively nontoxic when used as directed.

NSAIDs Pharmacology Study Guide for Nurses

Nursing Pharmacology

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Related Agents

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects without the adverse effects associated with corticosteroids. Learn about NSAIDs in this study guide.