What is the Difference Between Sympathomimetic and Sympatholytic Drugs?

Sympathomimetic and sympatholytic drugs are two types of adrenergic drugs that interact with the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in different ways:

• Sympathomimetic drugs enhance adrenergic function by mimicking the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine at synapses in the SNS. They are used to treat cardiac arrest, low blood pressure, and delay premature labor conditions. These drugs can be further divided into subgroups based on their affinity for α, β, or D receptors.
• Sympatholytic drugs interrupt adrenergic function by antagonizing adrenergic receptors, blocking the synthesis of catecholamines, or being toxic to sympathetic neurons. They are primarily used in the treatment of various cardiovascular pathophysiologies. Sympatholytic drugs can be divided into primary subgroups based on their receptor (α and β) selectivity.

In summary, the main difference between sympathomimetic and sympatholytic drugs is that sympathomimetic drugs enhance adrenergic function, while sympatholytic drugs interrupt or inhibit it.

Comparative Table: Sympathomimetic vs Sympatholytic Drugs

Sympathomimetic drugs are adrenergic drugs that enhance adrenergic function and are used as stimulant compounds. They are important in treating cardiac arrest, low blood pressure, and delaying premature labor. On the other hand, sympatholytic drugs are drugs that interrupt adrenergic function and inhibit the sympathetic nervous system. They are primarily used to treat various cardiovascular pathophysiologies.