DRUGS ACTING ON AUTONOMIC GANGLIA

GANGLIONIC STIMULANTS

          These are the agents that mimic neural transmission by stimulation of the nicotinic receptors on post ganglionic autonomic neurons. Drugs that indirectly augment ganglionic transmission by increasing the release or slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine.   

    1. Selective nicotinic agonists:
           Natural alkaloids:
                Nicotine
                Lobeline
           Synthetic drugs:
                Dimethylphenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP)
                Tetramethyl ammonium 
                Varenicline

    2. Nonselective/muscarinic agonists:
                Acetylcholine
                Carbachol
                Pilocarpine
                Anticholinesterases


GANGLION BLOCKERS

          A ganglionic blocker (or ganglioplegic drug) is a type of medication that inhibits transmission between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in the Autonomic Nervous System, often by acting as a nicotinic receptor antagonist. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are found on skeletal muscle, but also within the route of transmission for the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system.

    1. Competitive blockers
        Quaternary ammonium compounds: 
                Hexamethonium
                Pentolinium

        Amines (secondary/tertiary)
                Mecamylamine
                Pempidine

       Monosulfonium compound:
                Trimethaphan camforsulfonate

    2. Persistent depolarising blockers:
                Nicotine
                Anticholinesterases