Cholinergic vs. Anticholinergic — What's the Difference?

Pertaining to the parasympathetic nervous system.

Reducing parasympathetic activity.

Mimicking acetylcholine.

Blocking cholinergic receptors.

Related to acetylcholine.

Used in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Activating cholinergic receptors.

Inhibiting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Capable of releasing acetylcholine.

Capable of causing dry mouth or blurred vision.

Cholinergic agents are compounds which mimic the action of acetylcholine and/or butyrylcholine. In general, the word "choline" describes the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium cation.

Anticholinergics (anticholinergic agent) are a group of substances that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh) at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.These agents inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system by selectively blocking the binding of ACh to its receptor in nerve cells. The nerve fibers of the parasympathetic system are responsible for the involuntary movement of smooth muscles present in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, sweat glands, and many other parts of the body.In broad terms, anticholinergics are divided into two categories in accordance with their specific targets in the central and peripheral nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction: antimuscarinic agents, and antinicotinic agents (ganglionic blockers, neuromuscular blockers).The term "anticholinergic" is typically used to refer to antimuscarinics which competitively inhibit the binding of ACh to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors; such agents do not antagonize the binding at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, although the term is sometimes used to refer to agents which do so.

Activated by or capable of liberating acetylcholine, especially in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Inhibiting or blocking the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site

Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine

That inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site

(biochemistry) Of, pertaining to, activated by, producing or having the same function as acetylcholine.

(medicine) Any of a class of drugs, typically used to treat various disorders and some forms of poisoning, which inhibit the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site

(biochemistry) Any drug or substance producing or having the same function as acetylcholine.

A substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine

Releasing or activated by acetylcholine or a related compound

Inhibiting or blocking the action of acetylcholine at a receptor site;

Anticholinergic medications are prescribed for various issues, including overactive bladder, COPD, and gastrointestinal spasms.

An anticholinergic effect is the result of blocking acetylcholine receptors, often causing drying or relaxing effects.

Cholinergic drugs are used in treating conditions like myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's disease.

Yes, anticholinergic drugs can impair cognition, causing confusion or memory loss, especially in the elderly.

Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.

Yes, cholinergic drugs can stimulate digestion by increasing gut activity.

A cholinergic crisis is an overstimulation of the nervous system due to excessive acetylcholine, often due to medication overdose.

Cholinergic refers to substances or systems that use or mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Yes, they can be used to treat muscle rigidity and tremors in Parkinson's disease.

Yes, cholinergic substances can decrease heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve.

No, excessive cholinergic activity can lead to detrimental effects like excessive sweating or salivation.

Yes, enhancing cholinergic transmission is a strategy for treating Alzheimer's symptoms.

Yes, anticholinergic medications can reduce lacrimation, leading to dry eyes.

Yes, certain foods and compounds, like nicotine, can have cholinergic effects.

They can cause pupil dilation and difficulty focusing, which is why they are used in eye exams.