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

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

From Washington Post

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

“More careful medication review is needed in prescribing practice to minimize the use of high-risk anticholinergic medications.”

From Seattle Times