Anticholinergic drugs are a class of medications that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Muscle spasms: Relieve cramps or spasms in the stomach, intestines, and bladder
Nausea and vomiting: Prevent nausea and vomiting, especially after anesthesia and surgery
Motion sickness: Prevent motion sickness
Hyperhidrosis: Control hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating
Eye examinations: Dilate pupils before eye examinations
Poisoning: Treat poisoning caused by certain mushrooms, insecticides, and nerve gases
Slow heartbeat: Treat slow heartbeat in an emergency
Anticholinergic drugs can be available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some examples include:
Over-the-counter
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), doxylamine (Unisom)
Prescription
Atropine, benztropine mesylate (Cogentin), cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl), darifenacin (Enablex), glycopyrrolate, hyoscyamine (Levsinex), ipratropium (Atrovent), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), scopolamine
Side effects of anticholinergic drugs can include:
Blurred vision, Constipation, Dilated pupils, Dry mouth, Glaucoma, Hyperthermia, Lack of sweating, Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Urinary retention, and Vision loss.