Cholinergic Drugs

Definition

Cholinergic drugs are medications that produce the same effects as the parasympathetic nervous system.

Description

Cholinergic drugs usually act in one of two ways. Some directly mimic the effect of acetylcholine, while others block the effects of acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that destroys naturally occurring acetylcholine. By blocking the enzyme, the naturally occurring acetylcholine has a longer action.

— Samuel Uretsky, PharmD