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{{Short description|A class of drugs that inhibit the release of adrenergic neurotransmitters}}
== Adrenergic Release Inhibitor ==
'''Adrenergic release inhibitors''' are a class of drugs that prevent the release of [[norepinephrine]] and other [[catecholamines]] from the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of [[hypertension]] and certain types of [[cardiac arrhythmias]].


==Mechanism of Action==
[[File:Guanethidine.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Guanethidine]]
Adrenergic release inhibitors work by interfering with the normal process of neurotransmitter release from [[adrenergic neurons]]. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as blocking the [[vesicular monoamine transporter]] (VMAT), inhibiting the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, or depleting the stores of neurotransmitters within the neuron.


==Examples==
An '''adrenergic release inhibitor''' is a type of medication that inhibits the release of [[norepinephrine]] and other [[catecholamines]] from the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. These inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of [[hypertension]] and certain types of [[heart failure]].
One of the most well-known adrenergic release inhibitors is [[guanethidine]], which is used to manage hypertension. Guanethidine works by entering adrenergic neurons and preventing the release of norepinephrine, leading to decreased sympathetic activity and lowered blood pressure.


==Clinical Uses==
== Mechanism of Action ==
Adrenergic release inhibitors are primarily used in the management of hypertension. By reducing the release of norepinephrine, these drugs decrease peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure. They may also be used in the treatment of certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, where excessive sympathetic activity is a contributing factor.


==Side Effects==
Adrenergic release inhibitors work by interfering with the normal process of [[neurotransmitter]] release from [[sympathetic nerve]] endings. This is typically achieved by blocking the [[vesicular monoamine transporter]] (VMAT), which is responsible for the uptake of norepinephrine into synaptic vesicles. By preventing the storage of norepinephrine, these drugs reduce the amount of neurotransmitter available for release into the [[synaptic cleft]].
The use of adrenergic release inhibitors can lead to several side effects due to their action on the sympathetic nervous system. Common side effects include orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, and fatigue. Patients may also experience nasal congestion and gastrointestinal disturbances.
 
== Guanethidine ==
 
[[Guanethidine]] is a well-known adrenergic release inhibitor. It is a [[peripheral sympatholytic]] agent that was once widely used to manage hypertension. Guanethidine works by displacing norepinephrine from its storage vesicles in the nerve endings, leading to a gradual depletion of norepinephrine stores. This results in a reduction of sympathetic tone and a decrease in blood pressure.
 
=== Pharmacokinetics ===
 
Guanethidine is absorbed from the [[gastrointestinal tract]] and is distributed throughout the body. It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted unchanged in the urine. The onset of action is slow, and the effects can last for several days after discontinuation of the drug.
 
=== Side Effects ===
 
Common side effects of guanethidine include [[orthostatic hypotension]], [[bradycardia]], and [[gastrointestinal disturbances]]. Due to its mechanism of action, it can also cause [[nasal congestion]] and [[sexual dysfunction]].
 
== Clinical Uses ==
 
Adrenergic release inhibitors like guanethidine are primarily used in the management of hypertension. They are particularly useful in cases where other antihypertensive agents are ineffective or contraindicated. However, due to the availability of newer drugs with fewer side effects, the use of guanethidine has declined.
 
== Related Pages ==


==Related pages==
* [[Adrenergic receptor]]
* [[Sympathetic nervous system]]
* [[Sympathetic nervous system]]
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Cardiac arrhythmia]]
* [[Norepinephrine]]
* [[Peripheral sympatholytic]]


==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Guanethidine.svg|Structure of Guanethidine
</gallery>
{{Drug class}}
[[Category:Adrenergic drugs]]
[[Category:Adrenergic drugs]]
[[Category:Antihypertensive agents]]
[[Category:Antihypertensive agents]]

Latest revision as of 05:35, 16 February 2025

Adrenergic Release Inhibitor[edit]

Chemical structure of Guanethidine

An adrenergic release inhibitor is a type of medication that inhibits the release of norepinephrine and other catecholamines from the sympathetic nervous system. These inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of hypertension and certain types of heart failure.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Adrenergic release inhibitors work by interfering with the normal process of neurotransmitter release from sympathetic nerve endings. This is typically achieved by blocking the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which is responsible for the uptake of norepinephrine into synaptic vesicles. By preventing the storage of norepinephrine, these drugs reduce the amount of neurotransmitter available for release into the synaptic cleft.

Guanethidine[edit]

Guanethidine is a well-known adrenergic release inhibitor. It is a peripheral sympatholytic agent that was once widely used to manage hypertension. Guanethidine works by displacing norepinephrine from its storage vesicles in the nerve endings, leading to a gradual depletion of norepinephrine stores. This results in a reduction of sympathetic tone and a decrease in blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

Guanethidine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed throughout the body. It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted unchanged in the urine. The onset of action is slow, and the effects can last for several days after discontinuation of the drug.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of guanethidine include orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Due to its mechanism of action, it can also cause nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Adrenergic release inhibitors like guanethidine are primarily used in the management of hypertension. They are particularly useful in cases where other antihypertensive agents are ineffective or contraindicated. However, due to the availability of newer drugs with fewer side effects, the use of guanethidine has declined.

Related Pages[edit]