Cholinergic agonists
Cholinergic agonists (pronunciation: koh-lin-ER-jik AG-on-ists) are a type of medication that mimic the action of acetylcholine, a type of neurotransmitter in the body. They are also known as parasympathomimetics as they stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Etymology
The term "cholinergic" is derived from the name of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. "Agonist" comes from the Greek word "agonistes", meaning contestant. In this context, it refers to a substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.
Types of Cholinergic Agonists
There are two main types of cholinergic agonists: direct-acting and indirect-acting.
- Direct-acting cholinergic agonists bind directly to cholinergic receptors to produce their effects. Examples include pilocarpine and bethanechol.
- Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synapse. This increases the amount of acetylcholine available to stimulate receptors. Examples include donepezil and physostigmine.
Uses
Cholinergic agonists have a wide range of uses in medicine. They can be used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis. They are also used in the management of urinary retention and gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Side Effects
Like all medications, cholinergic agonists can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, they can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cholinergic agonists
- Wikipedia's article - Cholinergic agonists
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