What are the 4 most common anticholinergic drugs?

It was found the most common anticholinergic drug classes used by the elderly in the study were: tricyclic antidepressants (for example: amitriptyline) first generation antihistamines (for example: chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine) overactive bladder antimuscarinics (for example: oxybutynin)

Why is it called anticholinergic?

Processes that enhance ACh function are termed “cholinergic” while processes that inhibit the action of ACh at its receptors are termed “anticholinergic.” Anticholinergic effects are most commonly the result of medication.

What is anticholinergic drugs used for?

One of the most common uses of anticholinergics is as a treatment for asthma. They help to ease asthma symptoms by relaxing and enlarging the airways, which makes breathing easier. They are also used to treat a variety of conditions like urinary incontinence and motion sickness.

What is the mechanism of action of anticholinergic drugs?

Mechanism of action of anticholinergic medications

Anticholinergic drugs competitively inhibit binding of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. They target either muscarinic acetylcholine receptors or, less commonly, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

What are anticholinergic side effects?

Typical symptoms include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and decreased sweating (Table 1).

What is the difference between anticholinergic and cholinergic?

Cholinergic drugs stimulate the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system by activating receptors for acetylcholine. Anticholinergic drugs inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system by blocking the action of acetylcholine so that it cannot bind to receptors that initiate the parasympathetic response.

Which antidepressants are anticholinergic?

ClassDrugsRelative anticholinergic potency
PsychotropicSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants: citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine*Low
Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, othersHigh

What are four typical anticholinergic side effects?

Typical symptoms include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and decreased sweating (Table 1).

What over the counter drugs are anticholinergic?

Many older adults continue to use OTC drugs that have anticholinergic properties. Older antihistamines— such as diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimen- hydrinate, doxylamine, and meclizine, as well as the urinary tract antimuscarinic agent oxybutynin—are strongly anticholinergic.

Is Benadryl an anticholinergic?

Additionally, Benadryl is classified as an anticholinergic. Other drugs in this class are prescribed to treat mental health disorders and bladder disease.

Which antidepressants are anticholinergic?

ClassDrugsRelative anticholinergic potency
PsychotropicSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants: citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine*Low
Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, othersHigh

What are anticholinergic effects?

Common central anticholinergic adverse effects include headache, impaired memory, reduced cognitive function, behavioral disturbances, anxiety, and insomnia at low dosages.[6]

Which antihistamines are anticholinergic?

Antihistamines with anticholinergic properties include the following:
  • Chlorpheniramine.
  • Cyproheptadine.
  • Doxylamine.
  • Hydroxyzine.
  • Dimenhydrinate.
  • Diphenhydramine.
  • Meclizine.
  • Promethazine.

Is Tramadol an anticholinergic?

These findings suggest that tramadol at clinically relevant concentrations inhibits M(3) function via quinuclidinyl benzilate-binding sites. This may explain the modulation of neuronal function and the anticholinergic effects of tramadol.

What drugs cause anticholinergic syndrome?

Examples of classes of medications with anticholinergic properties include antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs; eg, amitriptyline), sleep aids (eg, doxylamine), cold preparations, scopolamine (hyoscine), and tainted illicit street drugs (eg, heroin “cut” with scopolamine).

What is anticholinergic syndrome?

Anticholinergic syndrome results from competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at central and peripheral muscarinic receptors. Central inhibition leads to an agitated (hyperactive) delirium – typically including confusion, restlessness and picking at imaginary objects – which characterises this toxidrome.

Is atropine an anticholinergic?

Atropine acts as a competitive, reversible antagonist of muscarinic receptors: an anticholinergic drug.