Effects of Albuterol, Belladonna, and Ipratropium Bromide on Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems

Effects of Drugs on the Autonomic Nervous System
Student's Name
University Affiliation
Professor's Name
Course Title
Due Date
Effects of Drugs on the Autonomic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system is facilitating the “fight” or “flight” reaction. Therefore, it helps the human body react effectively to dangers or hazards. The system achieves this response by increasing the heart rate, increasing energy levels, and causing the airway to dilate (Scott et al., 2021). On the other hand, the parasympathetic system helps the body relax. It achieves this response by reducing/ slowing down the heart rate, optimizing digestion, and constricting the airways (Khan et al., 2019). Consequently, the functions of the two systems are primarily opposite. The functioning of these systems can be affected by drugs. The following paragraphs will demonstrate how drugs can affect these systems.
Some drugs affect the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. These drugs include Albuterol, Belladonna, and Ipratropium Bromide. These drugs are designed to treat conditions that mainly affect the functioning of either of the systems. For example, Albuterol is a drug used for the treatment of breathing problems. As a result, the drug is instrumental in treating and managing asthma. The drug predominantly affects the sympathetic nervous system. The primary mode of action of the drug involves relaxing and widening the airway (Papi et al., 2022). This action helps relieve asthma or other breathing difficulties. It also helps alleviate wheezing symptoms and shortness of breath, mainly observed in asthma patients.
On the other hand, Belladonna has alkaloids as the active agent. The alkaloids affect the body in such a way that both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are affected. This drug affects the sympathetic system by blocking muscarinic receptors (Maurya et al., 2020). The effects of this blockage are relaxing various muscles. Some of the muscles this drug can relax include those of the urinary bladder and gastrointestinal tract. The relaxation often leads to desirable effects such as improved airflow. The drug also affects the parasympathetic system by...