The Autonomic Nervous System Part II – Basic Pharmacology

Abstract

A balance exists between sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow. Many common pathologies and surgical procedures can affect this balance, leading to disturbances in the function of organ systems.
Drugs can contribute to autonomic disturbance, but drugs can also be used to redress the balance.
Drugs which act on the ANS, tend to be agonists or antagonists at one or more of the various receptors, and this determines their clinical effects.
Some drugs have slightly different modes of action (such as the anticholinesterases or phosphodiesterase inhibitors) but still have marked effects on the ANS.