# Anticholinergics --- **Anticholinergics** are a type of [[medicine]] that blocks the action of [[acetylcholine]] which is an important and widely used neurotransmitter. Broadly speaking ACh is responsible for: - muscle contraction - (increasing) heart rate - secretions - peristalsis - memory/attention These drugs are used to treat conditions such as: - [[Parkinson's disease]] - [[irritable bowel syndrome]] - diarrhea - [[COPD]] ## Mechanism of Action These meds block the acetylcholine receptors in various synapses throughout the body. ## Contraindications Anticholinergics are contraindicated if an individual already has a muscle impairment condition such as: - [[myasthenia gravis]] - acute-closure [[glaucoma]] - paralytic ileus - etc. ## Adverse Reactions "Anticholinergic reactions" call back to the functions of ACh, which is largely having to do with moving things along. - dry mouth - blurry vision - constipation - urinary retention - confusion One way to remember this: They can't see, pee, spit or shit. ## Examples - **benztropine mesylate** (brand name: **Cogentin**) - [[antihistamines]] can cause anticholinergic effects. ___