The glycemic effects of sympathomimetics in stressed mice.

Sympathomimetics are extensively used clinically as decongestants and bronchodilators in cough, cold, and sinus remedies. However, few studies have addressed the glycemic potentials of these drugs. In this study, the glycemic potentials of pseudoephedrine (PSD), ephedrine (EPD), and phenyl-propanolamine (PPA), the three most commonly used sympathomimetics, were evaluated. PSD caused a dose-dependent delayed hyperglycemia. This was attenuated when procedural stress was reduced. EPD and PPA did not increase the hyperglycemia due to procedural stress. EPD and PPA blunted the hyperglycemia in fed mice after a 2 g/kg oral glucose challenge; PSD had no effect. The effects of PPA and EPD on post-challenge glucose levels may be partially explained by increased insulin/glucose ratios at 15 minutes post-challenge. These studies indicate that there are differences in the glycemic effects among the sympathomimetics in stressed mice.