What is a common characteristic of sympathomimetic drugs?

Sympathomimetic drugs are characterized by their ability to mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. These drugs specifically act on adrenergic receptors, which are the primary receptors in this system. By activating these receptors, sympathomimetic drugs can produce effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and bronchodilation, making them useful in various medical situations like treating asthma or anaphylaxis.

In contrast, the other options refer to different classes of drugs or uses that do not align with the definition of sympathomimetic agents. For example, opiates are a group of drugs used primarily for pain management, and enhancing muscle mass is typically associated with anabolic steroids. Thus, focusing on adrenergic receptor interaction is fundamental to understanding the role and effects of sympathomimetic drugs in pharmacology and clinical practice.