Adrenaline and Noradrenaline
Adrenaline & Noradrenaline Visual Mnemonic Guide
Panel 1: Indications for Adrenaline (Anaphylaxis & Asthma)
A guy suffers a severe asthma attack and an allergic reaction from a bee sting—it's Anaphylactic Shock! His son panics, knowing only an adrenaline rush can save him.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Indications: Drug of choice for Anaphylactic Shock (severe allergic reactions) and emergency treatment of severe bronchospasm/asthma flares.
Panel 2: Adrenaline Receptor Profiles
To trigger the ultimate rush, the son pushes him off a cliff! As he falls, 1 & 2 (Alpha-1, Alpha-2) work on blood vessels, while Beta-1 acts on the 1 heart and Beta-2 acts on the 2 lungs.
Adrenaline Receptor Selectivity: Non-selective agonist that acts on α1 & α2 (vasoconstriction/vascular tone control) and β1 (heart: 1 heart) and β2 (lungs: 2 lungs, causing bronchodilation).
Panel 3: Adrenaline Effects & Beta-Blocker Warning
He turns into Superman as adrenaline boosts everything—vessels contract, heart rate surges, and lungs dilate! But beware of Beta-Blockers: blocking Beta leaves only Alpha active, spiking blood pressure to dangerous levels!
Physiological Effects & Interaction: Stimulates cardiac output (β1) and bronchodilation (β2). Unopposed α-stimulation Warning: Administering non-selective β-blockers alongside adrenaline leaves α1 unopposed, leading to severe hypertension.
Panel 4: Noradrenaline Selectivity & Lack of Beta-2
Nora is no adrenaline junkie—no cliffs, no natural rushes, and NO lungs (β2 action)! She uses heavy iron clamps directly on blood vessels and acts on the heart to raise blood pressure.
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine): Predominantly acts as a potent α1 agonist (with moderate β1 effect), but has minimal to no β2 activity. It primarily functions to increase systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure without causing bronchodilation.
Panel 5: Noradrenaline Indications & Adverse Effects
Nora's iron clamps enforce α1-mediated vasoconstriction for purely pressure-related problems like Septic or Neurogenic Shock. But if the clamps tighten too much, peripheral ischemia sets in!
Indications & Toxicity: Noradrenaline is the first-line vasopressor for Septic Shock and Neurogenic Shock. Adverse Effect: Excessive vasoconstriction can cause severe peripheral ischemia (digital necrosis/gangrene) and tissue hypoxia.
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