View source for Sympathomimetic amine

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==Overview==
[[Image:Adrenaline.svg|thumb|[[Epinephrine]]]]
[[Image:Norepinephrine structure.png|thumb|[[Norepinephrine]]]]
'''Sympathomimetic drugs''' are substances that mimic the effects of the [[hormone]] [[epinephrine]] (adrenaline) and the hormone/[[neurotransmitter]] [[norepinephrine]] (noradrenaline). They all raise blood pressure and are all weak bases.

==Mechanisms of Action==
===Norepinephrine Transporter Blockade===
Classical sympathomimetic drugs are [[amphetamines]] (including [[MDMA]]), [[ephedrine]] and [[cocaine]], which act by blocking and reversing [[norepinephrine transporter]] (NET) activity. NET is a transport protein expressed on the surface of some cells that clears noradrenaline and adrenaline from the [[extracellular space]] and into [[cell (biology)|cells]], terminating the signaling effects.

===Adrenergic Receptor Agonism===
Direct stimulation of the α- and β-[[adrenergic receptor]]s can produce sympathomimetic effects. [[Albuterol]] is a very commonly used direct-acting [[Beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist|β2-agonist]].

===Inhibition of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine Metabolism===
Inhibition of norepinephrine metabolism can produce sympathomimetic effects. Norepinephrine is mainly metabolized by the enzyme [[monoamine oxidase]], the [[monoamine oxidase inhibitor]] (MAOI) drugs can induce such effects.

==Cross-reactivity==
Substances like [[cocaine]] also affect [[dopamine]], and some substances like [[MDMA]] affect [[serotonin]].

Norepinephrine is synthesized by the body into epinephrine, causing [[central nervous system]] stimulation. Thus, all sympathimimetic amines fall into the larger group of [[stimulant]]s (see [[psychoactive drug]] chart). Many of these stimulants have therepeutic use and [[drug abuse|abuse potential]], can induce [[tolerance]], and possibly [[physical dependence]].

==See also==
*[[Sympathetic nervous system]]

==External links==
* {{MeshName|Amines,+Sympathomimetic}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Sympathomimetic+amine}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Sympathomimetic}}

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{{Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropics}}
{{Nasal preparations}}
{{Antiglaucoma preparations and miotics}}
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[[Category:Sympathetic nervous system|*]]
[[Category:Sympathomimetic amines]]

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