What are the effects of sympathomimetic drugs in therapeutic doses?

Sympathomimetic drugs mimic the effects of sympathetic activation on the heart and circulation. Sympathomimetics stimulate the heart and cause vascular smooth muscle contraction and vasoconstriction.

Sympathomimetics are used in conditions where it is appropriate to raise blood pressure by stimulating the heart and inducing vasoconstriction. They are used for short-term treatment of refractory heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and hypotension caused by hemorrhage or sepsis.

Because these drugs mimic sympathetic adrenergic stimulation, they can produce hypertension, excessive cardiac stimulation and cardiac arrhythmias.

Sympathomimetics should be used with caution in thyrotoxicosis.