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sympathomimetic

1. (Science: physiology) The mimicking the effects of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system.

2. (Science: pharmacology) An agent that produces effects similar to those of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. Usually refers to drugs that mimic the effects of stimulating postganglionic adrenergic sympathetic nerves.

Includes drugs that directly stimulate adrenergic receptors and drugs that act indirectly by provoking the release of adrenergic transmitters.

Synonym: adrenergic.

Origin: Gr. Mimetikos = imitative