Table of Contents:
[ General
/ Adrenergic / Amphetamine ]
[ Ergogenic / Hormones
/ Steroids ]
[ Over the Counter / Recreational /
Related ]
EPINEPHRINE
NOREPINEPHRINE
What are adrenergic stimulants?
Adrenergic refers to the heart, bronchi and intestinal nerves
that release or use epinephrine, norepinephrine (also known
as catecholamines) as their neurotransmitters (NT). These NT
are amino derivatives of catechol, which is released from the
adrenal medulla.
What are adrenergic receptors?
These are classified into alpha and beta-receptors (beta-receptors
divide into beta 1 and beta 2 receptors). These receptors function
through calcium channels and respond to epinephrine and norepinephrine
and stimulate smooth muscle contraction. Beta 1 receptors control
the heart and beta 2 control the lungs and outer circulation.
What is the role of epinephrine?
Epinephrine stimulates the heart rate to increase the strength
of contraction and the cardiac output. Epinephrine use increases
respiratory rate, tidal volume and minute ventilation. It can
be an effective bronchodilator with duration of between 60 and
90 minutes after inhalation or subcutaneous injection.
How is epinephrine absorbed and excreted?
Absorption from subcutaneous tissues is slow because of local
vasoconstriction. Intramuscular injection produces a more rapid
effect. Small amounts of epinephrine appear in the urine of
normal individuals.
What are the side effects of epinephrine?
Epinephrine users may experience fear, anxiety, restlessness,
throbbing headache, tremor, weakness, dizziness, breathing difficulty,
and heart irregularities.
What are the medical uses of epinephrine?
Epinephrine is used to assist with some breathing problems and
some heart problems.
What is the role of norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter at the sympathetic nerve
endings. It increases vascular resistance, systolic and diastolic
blood pressure and cardiac output.
How is norepinephrine absorbed and excreted?
Mainly used intramuscularly, NE is poorly absorbed in oral form
and by injection under the skin. Small amounts are found in
the urine.
What are the side effects from using norepinephrine?
The undesirable side effects are similar to those of epinephrine
but are less commonly experienced. Some users may experience
anxiety, breathing difficulties and headaches.
What are the medical uses of norepinephrine?
NE is sometimes used in some forms of shock treatment.
