Question

Describe cholinergic and anticholinergic agents.

Answer 1

Cholinergic drugs are a wide variety of drugs used to work on the parasympathetic nervous system. These drugs work by enhancing the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. Effects of increased acetylcholine are considered the everyday work of the body, such as salivation, digestion, and skeletal muscle relaxation. An alternative way in which cholinergic drugs work is by blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, which results in naturally occurring acetylcholine being able to work longer.

If cholinergic drugs work to enhance the parasympathetic nervous system, then anticholinergic drugs work to enhance the sympathetic nervous system. By blocking acetylcholine from sending chemical messages, anticholinergic drugs cause a decrease in parasympathetic effects. The results of blocking parasympathetic effects are referred to as anticholinergic effects, and they include: reduced smooth muscle spasm, reduced digestive tract movement, pupil dilation, decreased production of secretions, increased heart rate, airway relaxation, and reduced urine output.