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anticholinergic

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Also known as anticholinergic agent, cholinergic antagonist, Cholinergic Receptor Antagonists, Acetylcholine Antagonists, Cholinolytics, Cholinergic-Blocking Agents, cholinergic blocking drug, parasympatholytic drug

Anticholinergics (anticholinergic agents) are substances that block the action of the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.

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Commons category
Anticholinergics
NCI Thesaurus ID
C66880
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~11 min read

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13 sections
Contents
  • Medical uses
  • Physiological effects
  • Cognitive and physical decline
  • Side effects
  • Toxicity
  • Dementia
  • Pharmacology
  • Examples
  • Antidotes
  • Psychoactive uses
  • Plant sources
  • Use as a deterrent
  • References

Anticholinergics (anticholinergic agents) are substances that block the action of the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.

These agents inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system by selectively blocking the binding of ACh to its receptor in nerve cells. The nerve fibers of the parasympathetic system are responsible for the involuntary movement of smooth muscles present in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, sweat glands, and many other parts of the body.

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