beta agonists
Last reviewed 01/2018
Sympathomimetics are drugs which, as the name suggests, mimic the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
In general they are often grouped into specific adrenoceptor agonists - in which reference is usually being made to beta 2 receptor agonists, including salbutamol and related compounds, and the less specific agonist which have more general action on adrenoceptors.
Beta-2 receptor agonists have an action both on bronchial smooth muscle cells and mast cells, resulting in bronchodilation and decreased cellular release of inflammatory mediators.