Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics (pronounced an-ti-ko-li-nur-jiks) are a type of medication that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. They are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, and certain types of Parkinson's disease.
Etymology
The term "anticholinergic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, and "choline", a type of neurotransmitter. The suffix "-ergic" is derived from the Greek "ergon", meaning work. Thus, anticholinergics are drugs that work against choline.
Related Terms
- Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the brain that anticholinergics block.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
- Parkinson's disease: A long-term degenerative disorder of the nervous system that mainly affects the motor system.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Disorders affecting the stomach and intestines.
- Respiratory diseases: Diseases that affect the air passages, including the nasal passages, the bronchi, and the lungs.
Usage
Anticholinergics are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Anticholinergics can help to relieve the spasms of the bowel muscles.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Anticholinergics can help to relax and widen the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Overactive bladder: Anticholinergics can help to relax the bladder muscles, reducing symptoms such as urgency and frequency.
- Parkinson's disease: Anticholinergics can help to control the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease.
Side Effects
Like all medications, anticholinergics can cause side effects. These may include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, and confusion. In older adults, long-term use of anticholinergics has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anticholinergics
- Wikipedia's article - Anticholinergics
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