anticholinergic

[ an-ti-koh-luh-nur-jik, -kol-uh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a substance that opposes the effects of acetylcholine; interfering with the passage of parasympathetic nerve impulses. Compare cholinolytic.

noun

1. an anticholinergic substance, as a drug.

anticholinergic

/ ˌæntɪˌkɒlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. physiol blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves

noun

1. med a drug or agent that blocks these nerve impulses, used to control intestinal spasm, increase the heart rate, dilate the pupils for examination of the eyes, dry secretions in anaesthesia, and in some forms to treat Alzheimer's disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticholinergic¹

1940–45; anti- + cholinergic, equivalent to choline + -ergic

Example Sentences

In Victoria, health officials said the clinical symptoms presented by consumers of the spinach products were suggestive of anticholinergic syndrome.

From Washington Post

Exposure to anticholinergic plants can have severe effects but is rarely fatal.

From New York Times

I have taken a number of anticholinergic drugs for years, and I worry about the potentially negative impact on my brain.

From Seattle Times

When we read that some antihistamines have anticholinergic properties, we immediately stopped the drugs.

From Seattle Times

It’s an anticholinergic, a type of drug that has been linked to a higher risk of dementia in older people.

From Washington Post