The brain and nerves release a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps regulate muscle movement, sweat gland function, and intestinal function. Medications that block this chemical are called anticholinergics. Because they relax muscles and open up airways, anticholinergics are used to treat stomach cramps and irritable bowel syndrome, uncontrollable movements and muscle spasms, asthma and other breathing disorders, and urinary incontinence.

When used for the treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often called COPD, the muscle-relaxing properties of anticholinergics open up the pathways to the lungs, making it easier to breath. There are both long-and short-acting anticholinergics, which can be delivered by either an inhaler or a nebulizer.

Anticholinergics (also called antispasmodics) are sometimes used to prevent nausea or vomiting or are given by injection before surgery to help relax patients and decrease saliva secretion. During an operation, they can be used to keep the heartbeat normal.

Anticholinergics were the first medications approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a condition caused in part by lower-than-normal dopamine levels in the brain. They are used to block nerve impulses and help control the muscles of the limbs and the rest of the body, as well as to decrease levels of acetylcholine so that they achieve a closer balance with dopamine levels.

Other commonly used anticholinergics include atropine, belladonna, dicyclomine, and scopolamine. Side effects of any anticholinergic medication can include fast or irregular heartbeat, dry nose and mouth, constipation, decreased sweating and increased body temperature, blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified. It was discovered in 1914 and was originally named vagusstoff because it was released from the vagus nerve.
  2. A 2008 study found that the use of anticholinergic drugs is associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive performance in older adults.
  3. Many drugs that are not specifically advertised or described as anticholinergics do in fact have milder anticholinergic properties. These include drugs such as warfarin, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and ranitidine.