Cholinergic blocking drug

Cholinergic blocking drugs are a group of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, at the synapses of the cholinergic nervous system. They prevent acetylcholine from binding to its nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. Because cholinergic nerves are found throughout the body, including the motor nerves that supply skeletal muscle and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that supply exocrine glands, the heart, the eyes and the gut, these agents have broad effects, such as a faster heart rate and reduced secretions and gut movement. By site of action they fall into two types: antimuscarinic agents, such as atropine and hyoscine, and antinicotinic agents, such as tubocurarine and hexamethonium, which include ganglionic and neuromuscular blockers. Naturally occurring examples are the belladonna alkaloids and curare. Adverse effects include low blood pressure, dry mouth and dry eyes, so this record is a description of the class and not medical advice.