Drugs acting on cholinergic and adrenergic receptors

type of drug mechanism of action common use(s)

Cholinergic

atropine cholinergic antagonist during anesthesia, to dry up secretions, prevent cardiac slowing, and dilate bronchi; during ophthalmological procedures, to dilate pupils

botulinum toxin cholinergic antagonist severe muscle spasm; severe, uncontrollable sweating; cosmetic purposes

pilocarpine cholinergic agonist glaucoma; during ophthalmological procedures, to constrict pupils

scopolamine cholinergic antagonist motion sickness; during anesthesia, to dry up secretions and dilate bronchi; during ophthalmological procedures, to dilate pupils

succinylcholine cholinergic agonist during surgical procedures, to induce paralysis

tubocurarine cholinergic antagonist during anesthesia, to produce muscle relaxation

Adrenergic

albuterol adrenergic agonist asthma

amphetamine adrenergic agonist obesity, narcolepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

clonidine adrenergic agonist hypertension

ephedrine adrenergic agonist nasal congestion, hypotension

epinephrine adrenergic agonist cardiac arrest, heart block, and anaphylactic shock

imipramine adrenergic antagonist mental depression, enuresis (bed-wetting)

norepinephrine adrenergic agonist hypotension, heart failure

prazosin adrenergic antagonist hypertension

propranolol adrenergic antagonist hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, heart attack, prevention of migraine, headache