Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cholinergic agonists, cholinesterase inhibitors, anticholinergic drugs, indications, adverse effects, and nursing considerations.

Bethanechol

A cholinergic agonist used to treat atony of the bladder and GI tract. Adverse effects include abdominal cramps, blurred vision, flushing, increased salivation, nausea/vomiting, and sweating.

Cevimeline

A cholinergic drug used for xerostomia (dry mouth) associated with Sjogren's syndrome.

Pilocarpine

A cholinergic agonist indicated for the treatment of glaucoma.

Edrophonium

A cholinesterase inhibitor used in the management and diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.

Physostigmine

A cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat anticholinergic poisoning and organophosphate insecticide poisoning.

Pyridostigmine

A cholinesterase inhibitor used for myasthenia gravis; adverse effects include increased salivation, muscle twitching, nausea, and vomiting.

Cholinergic Crisis

A severe toxic reaction caused by overdose of cholinergic agonists, characterized by overstimulation of the PNS, which is reversed with atropine.

Cholinergic Agonists (Group Action & Contraindications)

Drugs that activate the PNS producing a rest and digest response. They are contraindicated in bradycardia, COPD, GI/GU tract obstruction, and hypotension.

Donepezil

A cholinesterase inhibitor that intensifies the effect of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (takes 6 weeks; not a cure). Patient teaching includes taking it with food or milk.

Atropine

An anticholinergic agent that blocks ACh to inhibit the PNS, used preoperatively to reduce excess secretions, increase heart rate in bradycardia, and treat cholinergic agonist toxicity.

Oxybutynin

An anticholinergic medication used for overactive bladder; contraindicated in uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma.

Scopolamine

An anticholinergic medication used for motion sickness; instructed to be applied as a transdermal patch behind the ear 4 to 5 hours before travel.

Tolterodine

An anticholinergic agent indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Anticholinergics (Action & Adverse Effects)

Drugs that inhibit the PNS and block ACh, inducing fight-or-flight response symptoms. Adverse effects include CNS stimulation, dry mouth, hyperthermia, photophobia, tachycardia, and urinary retention.