What adverse effect is associated with adrenergic agonists?

Adrenergic agonists are medications that stimulate the adrenergic receptors in the body, leading to a variety of physiological responses. One significant adverse effect associated with these agonists is hypertension. This occurs because adrenergic agonists can cause vasoconstriction through the activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors, which increases peripheral resistance and can lead to an elevation in blood pressure. Additionally, these medications can increase cardiac output by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, further contributing to hypertension.

The other options presented do not typically align with the actions of adrenergic agonists. Increased gastrointestinal secretions generally occur with stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, rather than the sympathetic effects induced by adrenergic agonists. Slowed heart rate is primarily a result of vagal stimulation or parasympathetic dominance, not a common effect of adrenergic stimulation, which usually results in an increased heart rate. Constriction of the pupils (mydriasis) is usually linked with sympathetic stimulation but is not classified as an adverse effect in the same manner as hypertension. Therefore, hypertension is the most notable adverse effect linked with the use of adrenergic agonists.