MUSCARINIC ANTAGONISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Muscarinic antagonists, also known as antimuscarinic drugs or anticholinergic drugs, are a class of medications that block the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system. These receptors are found in various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and glands.
Muscarinic antagonists work by inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that activates the muscarinic receptors. By blocking these receptors, the drugs counteract the stimulatory effects of acetylcholine on specific organs and tissues, resulting in a variety of physiological effects.
Clinically, muscarinic antagonists are often used to treat conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as they relax the smooth muscles of the airways and help relieve bronchospasms. They are also commonly prescribed to manage overactive bladder symptoms by reducing bladder muscle contractions.
Common examples of muscarinic antagonists include drugs like atropine, ipratropium, and oxybutynin. These medications can have both systemic and localized effects, depending on their route of administration. Systemic effects may include increased heart rate, dry mouth, blurred vision, and decreased bronchial secretions, among others.
It is important to note that muscarinic antagonists can also have side effects due to their action on various muscarinic receptors in the body. These side effects may include constipation, urinary retention, confusion, and increased risk of heat stroke. Therefore, these medications should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Common Misspellings for MUSCARINIC ANTAGONISTS
- nuscarinic antagonists
- kuscarinic antagonists
- juscarinic antagonists
- myscarinic antagonists
- mhscarinic antagonists
- mjscarinic antagonists
- miscarinic antagonists
- m8scarinic antagonists
- m7scarinic antagonists
- muacarinic antagonists
- muzcarinic antagonists
- muxcarinic antagonists
- mudcarinic antagonists
- muecarinic antagonists
- muwcarinic antagonists
- musxarinic antagonists
- musvarinic antagonists
- musfarinic antagonists
- musdarinic antagonists
- musczrinic antagonists
Etymology of MUSCARINIC ANTAGONISTS
The word "Muscarinic Antagonists" derives from the combination of two key elements: "muscarinic" and "antagonists".
The term "muscarinic" refers to the muscarine compound, which is derived from the mushroom Amanita muscaria. Muscarine was first isolated in 1869 and was subsequently identified as the substance responsible for the parasympathetic stimulation of various bodily systems. The name "muscarine" itself comes from the Latin word "muscarius", meaning "of or belonging to a fly". It is believed that the term was coined due to the perception that consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms attracted flies.
The word "antagonists" is derived from the Greek word "antagōnistḗs", meaning "opponent" or "competitor".
