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Anticholinergic: Classification Generic Name Brand Name
Anticholinergic: Classification Generic Name Brand Name
Anticholinergic are drugs that oppose the effects of acetylcholine. In essence, they also lyse and
block the effects of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) so they are also called as
parasympatholytics. Atropine is currently the only widely used anticholinergic drug. Other
common examples include meclizine, scopolamine and ipratropium.
Here is a table of commonly encountered anticholinergic agents, their generic names, and brand
names:
atropine (generic)
ipratropium Atrovent
tiotropium Spiriva
Competitively blocking the ACh receptors at muscarinic cholinergic receptor sites that
are responsible for mediating the effects of the parasympathetic postganglionic
impulses.
Atropine, the prototype drug, is derived from the plant belladonna. It is used to
depress salivation and bronchial secretions and to dilate the bronchi, but it can thicken
respiratory secretions (causing obstruction of airways).
Atropine and scopolamine work by blocking only the muscarinic effectors in the
parasympathetic nervous system and the few cholinergic receptors in the SNS.
Indications
Children
More sensitive to the adverse effects of the drug (e.g. constipation, urinary retention,
heat intolerance, confusion).
Dicyclomine is not recommended for use in children.
Adults
Pharmacokinetics
Here are the characteristic interactions of anticholinergics and the body in terms of absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion:
T1/2: 2.5 h
Metabolism: liver
Excretion: urine
The following are contraindications and cautions for the use of anticholinergics:
Interactions
Nursing Considerations
Nursing Assessment
These are the important things the nurse should include in conducting assessment, history taking,
and examination:
Here are some of the nursing diagnoses that can be formulated in the use of this drug for therapy:
These are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking anticholinergics:
Ensure proper administration of the drug to ensure effective use and decrease the risk
of adverse effects.
Monitor patient response (e.g., blood pressure, ECG, urine output) for changes that
may indicate need to adjust dose.
Provide comfort measures (e.g., sugarless lozenges, lighting control, small and
frequent meals) to help patient cope with drug effects.
Provide patient education about drug effects and warning signs to report to enhance
knowledge about drug therapy and promote compliance.
Evaluation
Here are aspects of care that should be evaluated to determine effectiveness of drug therapy: