Anticholinergic

Anticholinergic: action and application

Anticholinergics are a group of medications that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This suppressive effect may be beneficial in some cases, but may also cause unwanted side effects.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses in the nervous system. It is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls functions such as smooth muscle contraction, glandular secretion, and heart rate regulation. Blocking the action of this neurotransmitter can lead to different effects, depending on which acetylcholine receptors are affected.

Anticholinergics include parasympatholytic drugs that block acetylcholine receptors and inhibit its action. These drugs can be used to treat various diseases, such as bronchial asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, bradycardia, etc.

However, blocking the action of acetylcholine can cause unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, dilated pupils, and problems with memory and concentration. In older people who already have problems with memory and concentration, these effects may be even more pronounced.

In addition, some studies have linked long-term use of anticholinergic drugs to an increased risk of dementia. Therefore, when prescribing these drugs, it is necessary to take into account all possible side effects and risks.

In conclusion, anticholinergic drugs may be useful in treating certain conditions, but their use should be done with caution and only when prescribed by a doctor. All possible side effects and risks must be taken into account, especially in older people and those who already have problems with memory and concentration.

Anticholinergics (from the Latin anti - against, cholin - acetylcholine) are drugs that suppress the action of acetylcholine, which is the main neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system. Currently, anticholinergics are used as symptomatic agents in the treatment of a number of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, Parkinson's syndrome, etc.

**Anticholinergic** effects in medicine are used as a kind of protection, which, using a number of special receptors, helps prevent chemical withdrawal syndrome. The treatment strategy is based on the selection of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can quickly relieve unwanted symptoms. There are a significant number of such drugs, the most common of which are emergency medications.

*Anticholinergics are used for acute alcohol intoxication, but not for long-term chronic poisoning - in this case, such drugs can lead to the opposite effect.* Anticholesthenic drugs are used for alcohol syndrome, to eliminate which doctors use a specific antagonist of muscarinic secretion - atropine. Anticholinergic drugs relax smooth muscles. In case of alcohol poisoning, the main attention of doctors is directed to removing its derivatives from the body through urine. The main function of the drugs is to stimulate the process of urination. Let us roughly distinguish two main types of parasympathetic receptors