Anticholinergic agents
Anticholinergic Agents
Anticholinergic agents (pronunciation: an-ti-ko-li-ner-jik ay-jents) are a group of drugs that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. These agents are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, and certain neurological disorders.
Etymology
The term "anticholinergic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, and "choline", a compound that serves as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. The suffix "-ergic" is derived from the Greek "ergon", meaning work. Thus, "anticholinergic" refers to substances that work against the action of acetylcholine.
Mechanism of Action
Anticholinergic agents work by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. This results in a decrease in parasympathetic nerve impulses, leading to effects such as reduced muscle contractions and decreased secretions.
Types of Anticholinergic Agents
There are several types of anticholinergic agents, including:
Each of these drugs has a different therapeutic use, depending on the specific conditions they are designed to treat.
Side Effects
Common side effects of anticholinergic agents include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, and confusion. In severe cases, these drugs can cause hallucinations, memory loss, and delirium.
Related Terms
- Cholinergic
- Parasympathetic nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Neurotransmitter
- Muscarinic receptor
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anticholinergic agents
- Wikipedia's article - Anticholinergic agents
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