Question

Indicate the type of drug described:

2. A drug prevents platelet aggregation by binding to epinephrine receptors on platelets and inhibits their normal action.

Answer 1

The drug mentioned is a sympatholytic drug, acting as an antagonist at epinephrine receptors on platelets to prevent their aggregation, often used to mitigate cardiovascular diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug described is a type of sympatholytic or sympathoplegic drug that acts as an antagonist to adrenergic receptors, particularly those for epinephrine, on platelets. This drug works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is essential in clot formation. By blocking epinephrine receptors, it prevents the normal action of platelet activation and thereby acts as an anticoagulant.

β-blockers are a common example of sympatholytic drugs that can affect cardiovascular function by targeting ß-adrenergic receptors, but the specific drug described in the question would most likely be acting on the alpha-adrenergic receptors on platelets. This interaction limits their ability to aggregate, serving as a vital mechanism in preventing the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Medications like metoprolol and propanolol, which are common β-blockers, demonstrate the cardiovascular effects of sympatholytic drugs by blocking receptors associated with vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration.