sympathomimetic

sympathomimetic
Denoting mimicking of action of the sympathetic system. SEE ALSO: adrenomimetic. [sympatho- + G. mimikos, imitating]

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sym·pa·tho·mi·met·ic -mə-'met-ik, -(.)mī- adj simulating sympathetic nervous action in physiological effect compare PARASYMPATHOMIMETIC, SYMPATHOLYTIC
sympathomimetic n a sympathomimetic agent

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adj.
having the effect of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. The actions of sympathomimetic drugs are adrenergic (resembling those of noradrenaline). Alpha-adrenergic stimulants (alpha agonists) stimulate alpha receptors. They are vasoconstrictor and include ephedrine and phenylephrine, which constrict blood vessels in the mucous membranes and are used in nasal decongestants; metaraminol; and apraclonidine and brimonidine, which are used in the treatment of glaucoma. Beta-adrenergic stimulants (beta agonists) such as salbutamol, salmeterol, and terbutaline relax bronchial smooth muscle and are used as bronchodilator. Some beta agonists (e.g. dobutamine) stimulate beta receptors in the heart and are therefore used for their inotropic effects. Others, including ritodrine (Yutopar), relax uterine muscle and are used in the treatment of premature labour.

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sym·pa·tho·mi·met·ic (sim″pə-tho-mi-metґik) [sympathetic + -mimetic] 1. mimicking the effects of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. 2. an agent that produces effects similar to those of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. See also adrenergic.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • sympathomimetic — [sim΄pə thōmi met′ik, sim΄pə thōmīmet′ik] adj. [< SYMPATH(ETIC) + O + MIMETIC] having an effect similar to that produced when the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated: said of certain drugs, chemicals, etc …   English World dictionary

  • sympathomimetic — adjective Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1910 simulating sympathetic nervous action in physiological effect < sympathomimetic drugs > • sympathomimetic noun …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • sympathomimetic — adj. having the effect of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. The actions of sympathomimetic drugs are adrenergic: they act on alpha or beta adrenoceptors. Alpha adrenergic stimulants (alpha agonists) stimulate alpha receptors. They… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • sympathomimetic — sym•pa•tho•mi•met•ic [[t]ˌsɪm pə θoʊ mɪˈmɛt ɪk, maɪ [/t]] adj. 1) pha phl mimicking stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system 2) a sympathomimetic drug or agent • Etymology: 1905–10; sympath (etic) + o +mimetic …   From formal English to slang

  • sympathomimetic Medicine — [ˌsɪmpəθəʊmɪ mɛtɪk, mʌɪ ] adjective promoting the stimulation of sympathetic nerves. noun a sympathomimetic drug …   English new terms dictionary

  • Sympathomimetic drug — multiple image footer = Chemical structures of catecholamines. width = 150 align = right caption1 = Epinephrine caption2 = Norepinephrine caption3= Dopamine Sympathomimetic drugs are substances that mimic the effects of the catecholamines… …   Wikipedia

  • sympathomimetic — /sim peuh thoh mi met ik, muy /, Physiol., Pharm. adj. 1. mimicking stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. n. 2. an agent that mimics the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. [1905 10; SYMPATH(ETIC) + O + MIMETIC] * * * …   Universalium

  • sympathomimetic — 1. adjective That produces effects similar to those of the sympathetic nervous system 2. noun Any medicine with this effect …   Wiktionary

  • sympathomimetic — sym·pa·tho·mimetic …   English syllables

  • sympathomimetic — /sɪmpæθoʊməˈmɛtɪk/ (say simpathohmuh metik) noun 1. one of a class of drugs whose effects mimic those of a stimulated sympathetic nervous system, increasing cardiac output, dilating bronchioles and constricting blood vessels. –adjective 2. of or… …  

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