Cholinergic Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System – Review Flashcards

30 fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering basic neurophysiology, receptor types, neurotransmitters, drug classes, prototypes, mechanisms, uses, and adverse effects related to cholinergic and anticholinergic pharmacology.

Recognizing changes in the __ and external environment is one basic function of the nervous system.

internal environment

The two major divisions of the nervous system are the __ and the peripheral nervous system.

central nervous system (CNS)

Voluntary control of skeletal muscles is provided by the __ nervous system.

somatic

Involuntary control over smooth and cardiac muscle and glands is characteristic of the __ nervous system.

autonomic

The primary neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system is __.

norepinephrine (NE)

The parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” system uses __ as its primary neurotransmitter.

acetylcholine (Ach)

Balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activity to maintain __ is called homeostasis.

proper physiologic balance (homeostasis)

A junction between two neurons is called a __.

synapse

Cholinergic receptors that bind nicotine are known as __ receptors.

nicotinic

Muscarine from poisonous mushrooms binds selectively to __ receptors.

muscarinic

Nicotinic receptors are found at the ganglionic synapse of __ divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

both sympathetic and parasympathetic

Stimulation of nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction results in __ contraction.

muscle

Activation of muscarinic receptors in the heart typically causes __ heart rate.

decreased

Acetylcholine is synthesized from choline and acetyl-CoA by the enzyme __.

choline acetyltransferase (acetylcholinetransferase)

Acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft is rapidly destroyed by the enzyme __.

acetylcholinesterase (AchE)

Drugs that activate the parasympathetic nervous system are called __ or parasympathomimetics.

cholinergic agents

Parasympathomimetics are subdivided into direct-acting receptor agonists and indirect-acting __ inhibitors.

acetylcholinesterase (cholinesterase)

Profuse salivation, sweating, urinary frequency, and bradycardia are adverse effects commonly associated with __ agents.

cholinergic (parasympathomimetic)

The direct-acting muscarinic agonist used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention is __.

bethanechol

__ sulfate is the specific antidote used to treat overdose of bethanechol.

Atropine

Cholinergic-blocking drugs are also known as anticholinergics or __ blockers.

muscarinic

Blocking muscarinic receptors produces pupil dilation, a response termed __.

mydriasis

The prototype anticholinergic drug that treats anticholinesterase poisoning is __.

atropine

Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and tachycardia are predictable adverse effects of __ therapy.

anticholinergic (e.g., atropine)

The antidote for atropine overdose is __.

physostigmine

In asthma and COPD, the anticholinergic bronchodilator commonly prescribed is __.

ipratropium

Overactive bladder may be treated with the anticholinergic drug __ (Vesicare).

solifenacin

__ is an anticholinergic medication used primarily in Parkinson’s disease.

Trihexyphenidyl

Suppression of the parasympathetic division induces symptoms of the __ response.

fight-or-flight

Indirect-acting cholinergic drugs can cause serious adverse effects because they inhibit the enzyme __.

acetylcholinesterase