Master Alpha Agonists with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Norepinephrine is a catecholamine and an α1 and α2 agonist, which also has activity at β1 receptors. It is indicated in use for hypotension, and also has roles in depression and ADHD.

This drug is indicated in hypotension, as it quickly raises blood pressure, but does so at the cost of decreased renal perfusion.

Phenylephrine is a selective α1 agonist that is indicated for use as a decongestant, vasopressor and mydriatic.

This drug works to increase blood pressure in unstable patients with hypotension, especially those with septic shock. Phenylephrine is not chronotropic or inotropic, and increases blood pressure without effecting heart rate or contractility.

This medication can be used as an oral drug or intranasal spray to treat congestion.

Ephedrine is an indirect agonist which releases stored catecholamines, and is categorized as a sympathomimetic. It is used to treat urinary incontinence, rhinitis and hypotension.

Ephedrine is often used as a decongestant.

This drug treats urinary incontinence, as it causes vasoconstriction of the renal arteries.

Ephedrine is commonly used to treat hypotension, and administration is often seen in surgical or obstetric procedures.

Epinephrine is a catecholamine α agonist (at α1 and α2 receptors), which has β1 and β2 adrenergic activity, as well. It is used for treatment in anaphylaxis, asthma and hypotension.

This drug is helpful in anaphylaxis due to its vasoconstrictive effects. In asthma treatment, epinephrine works as a bronchodilator when specific β2 agonist medications are unavailable or unhelpful.

Because of its action at numerous adrenergic receptors, this drug is helpful in treating hypotension. Blood pressure is increased in two ways: peripheral resistance increases because of actions at α receptors, while cardiac output is greatly increased due to β adrenergic activity.