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Anticholinergic

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Created: October 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:
Anticholinergic means blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since acetylcholine is involved with learning and memory, glands and involuntary muscles, an anticholinergic drug can cause:
  • Dry mouth
  • Decrease in perspiration
  • Increased heart rate
  • Constipation
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory problems
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Sensitivity to heat
and other problematic side effects.

Drugs that have anticholinergic effects include but are not limited to:
Pronunciation:
ANN-tee-KOH-lih-NUR-jick, ANN-tye-KOH-lih-NUR-jick
Common Misspellings: anticholinergetic

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