anticholinergic

American  

[an-ti-koh-luh-nur-jik, -kol-uh-] / ˌæn tɪˌkoʊ ləˈnɜr dʒɪk, -ˌkɒl ə- /

adjective

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

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noun

1. an anticholinergic substance, as a drug.

anticholinergic British  

/ ˌæntɪˌkɒlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. physiol blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves

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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

Etymology

Origin of anticholinergic

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

Compare meaning

How does anticholinergic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cholinergic vs. anticholinergic

Example Sentences

The analysis focused on five categories of CNS-active medications: antidepressants with strong anticholinergic properties, antipsychotics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

Some online tools, like this calculator, might help signal if you should ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are taking too many anticholinergic drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

You can also find a list of anticholinergic drugs at that website.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2021

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

From Washington Post • Aug. 6, 2021

Drugs that enhance cholinergic effects are called parasympathomimetic drugs, whereas those that inhibit cholinergic effects are referred to as anticholinergic drugs.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013