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Related Concept Videos

Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses01:26

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Antimuscarinic drugs have various therapeutic applications by inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation in different systems. Here are the key therapeutic uses of antimuscarinics:    
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Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists, also known as anticholinesterases, exert their pharmacological effects by enhancing cholinergic transmission in various body parts, including the neuromuscular junction, autonomic cholinergic synapses, and the brain.
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Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:11

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Direct-acting cholinergic agonists have many therapeutic uses in various medical fields. Choline esters, including acetylcholine, have limited clinical utility due to their non-selectivity and short duration of action. Still, acetylcholine and carbachol are applied topically during ophthalmologic surgery to induce miosis. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic and ganglionic stimulator, effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and alleviates xerostomia and dry mouth caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren...
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Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

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Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
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Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:29

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Cholinergic antagonists bind to cholinergic receptors and limit the effects of acetylcholine and other cholinergic agonists. Based on the specific cholinergic receptor affinity, these antagonists are classified as muscarinic or nicotinic. Anticholinergics interrupt parasympathetic innervations while sympathetic innervations remain uninterrupted. Muscarinic antagonists are also called 'muscarinic antagonists', 'antimuscarinics', or 'parasympatholytics'. Nicotinic...
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Direct-acting cholinergic agonists, such as synthetic choline esters and naturally occurring alkaloids, exert their effects by enhancing the actions of acetylcholine and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Synthetic choline esters share structural similarities with acetylcholine. For example, they have a positively charged quaternary ammonium or onium group, contributing to their hydrophilic characteristics. As a result, they are poorly absorbed in the body through oral...
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A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
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Anticholinergic therapy: A case-based approach.

Dudley Robinson1, George Araklitis1

  • 1Department of Urogynaecology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.

Case Reports in Women'S Health
|December 24, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Anticholinergic drugs are common for overactive bladder but may harm cognitive function. This review focuses on minimizing anticholinergic use, especially in elderly patients.

Keywords:
AnticholinergicAntimuscarinicCognitive functionOveractive bladder

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Anticholinergic medications are frequently prescribed for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between anticholinergic use and cognitive impairment.
  • The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to these adverse cognitive effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence linking anticholinergic medications to cognitive dysfunction in OAB patients.
  • To discuss strategies for minimizing anticholinergic burden in OAB management.
  • To provide specific recommendations for the elderly population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on anticholinergic use, OAB, and cognitive function.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding the mechanisms of anticholinergic-induced cognitive impairment.
  • Synthesis of clinical guidelines and expert opinions on managing OAB with reduced anticholinergic exposure.

Main Results:

  • The review confirms a significant association between anticholinergic medication and impaired cognitive function.
  • Evidence suggests that anticholinergic burden contributes to cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
  • Alternative OAB treatments and careful medication selection can mitigate risks.

Conclusions:

  • Minimizing anticholinergic burden is crucial for OAB management, especially in the elderly.
  • Healthcare providers should consider cognitive side effects when prescribing anticholinergics.
  • Further research is needed to optimize OAB treatment while preserving cognitive health.