Which statement best describes the use of norepinephrine and ephedrine in anesthesia?

Which statement best describes the use of norepinephrine and ephedrine in anesthesia?

• A. They are used as vasopressors in hypotension
• B. They are analgesics
• C. They are bronchodilators
• D. They are sedatives

Answer: (A)

During anesthesia, hypotension often comes from vasodilation and reduced vascular tone, so drugs that raise blood pressure by constricting vessels or boosting cardiac output are used as vasopressors. Norepinephrine is a strong vasopressor that mainly stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and a rise in systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. It also provides some beta-1 support to cardiac output, but the primary effect is increased vascular tone. Ephedrine works a bit differently: it has mixed alpha and beta agonist effects and also increases endogenous norepinephrine release, boosting heart rate, contractility, and some vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure. Both are used to counteract anesthesia-related hypotension, whereas analgesics, bronchodilators, and sedatives address pain, airway, or CNS depression, not blood pressure support in this setting.

During anesthesia, hypotension often comes from vasodilation and reduced vascular tone, so drugs that raise blood pressure by constricting vessels or boosting cardiac output are used as vasopressors. Norepinephrine is a strong vasopressor that mainly stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and a rise in systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. It also provides some beta-1 support to cardiac output, but the primary effect is increased vascular tone. Ephedrine works a bit differently: it has mixed alpha and beta agonist effects and also increases endogenous norepinephrine release, boosting heart rate, contractility, and some vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure. Both are used to counteract anesthesia-related hypotension, whereas analgesics, bronchodilators, and sedatives address pain, airway, or CNS depression, not blood pressure support in this setting.