Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine: An anticholinergic drug is a type of medication that inhibits the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This action can produce effects such as drying of secretions, relaxation of smooth muscles, and sedation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed an anticholinergic drug to help control the patient's excessive drooling.
  • Common side effects of an anticholinergic drug include dry mouth and blurred vision.
  • Atropine is a classic example of an anticholinergic drug.

Advanced Usage

• "Exhibit anticholinergic effects": To show the characteristic results of blocking acetylcholine.

  • Many over-the-counter cold medicines can exhibit anticholinergic effects, causing drowsiness.

• "Anticholinergic burden": Refers to the cumulative effect of taking multiple medications with anticholinergic properties.

  • Elderly patients are often assessed for their anticholinergic burden to minimize cognitive side effects.

Variants and Related Words

• Anticholinergic (adjective): Describing the property of opposing acetylcholine.

  • The medication has strong anticholinergic properties.

• Anticholinergic agent (noun phrase): Another term for an anticholinergic drug.

  • Scopolamine is an anticholinergic agent used for motion sickness.

• Anticholinesterase (noun): A substance that has the opposite effect; it inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.

  • Note: An anticholinesterase drug, like neostigmine, is not the same as an anticholinergic drug.

Synonyms

• Antimuscarinic agent: A specific type of anticholinergic drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
• Parasympatholytic: A drug that blocks the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, which uses acetylcholine.

Related Phrases

• Anticholinergic syndrome: A condition resulting from an overdose of anticholinergic drugs, characterized by symptoms like delirium, tachycardia, and hyperthermia.
  • The patient was treated in the emergency room for anticholinergic syndrome.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine