Ask Difference

Cholinergic vs. Anticholinergic — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Cholinergic relates to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, enhancing its action. Anticholinergic blocks this neurotransmitter's effects.
Cholinergic vs. Anticholinergic — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Cholinergic and Anticholinergic

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Cholinergic substances mimic the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, thus stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic substances inhibit the actions of acetylcholine, often reducing bodily secretions and slowing down organ activity.
Medications with cholinergic effects are often used to treat conditions like myasthenia gravis by improving muscle activation. In contrast, anticholinergic drugs can be used to treat overactive bladder by relaxing the muscles.
Cholinergic receptors respond to acetylcholine with effects like constriction of pupils and increased digestion. Anticholinergic effects include dilated pupils, decreased saliva, and often a drying effect on mucous membranes.
Cholinergic pathways are crucial in cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Conversely, anticholinergic drugs can impair cognitive function and are used cautiously in the elderly due to the risk of confusion and memory loss.
Side effects from cholinergic drugs can include bradycardia or a slow heart rate, while anticholinergic side effects can include tachycardia or a fast heart rate and urinary retention.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Neurotransmitter Interaction

Mimics or enhances acetylcholine.
Blocks or inhibits acetylcholine.

Nervous System Effect

Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system.

Typical Uses

Treats diseases like myasthenia gravis.
Treats conditions like overactive bladder.

Receptor Response

Activation of cholinergic receptors.
Inhibition of cholinergic receptors.

Side Effects

May cause bradycardia, sweating.
May cause dry mouth, tachycardia, constipation.

Compare with Definitions

Cholinergic

Pertaining to the parasympathetic nervous system.
Cholinergic activity is high during rest.

Anticholinergic

Reducing parasympathetic activity.
The medication has anticholinergic properties that reduce saliva production.

Cholinergic

Mimicking acetylcholine.
Cholinergic medications can improve memory.

Anticholinergic

Blocking cholinergic receptors.
Anticholinergic effects include pupil dilation.

Cholinergic

Related to acetylcholine.
The drug has a cholinergic effect on the heart.

Anticholinergic

Used in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
He was prescribed an anticholinergic for his IBS.

Cholinergic

Activating cholinergic receptors.
Cholinergic agents stimulate muscle movement.

Anticholinergic

Inhibiting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Anticholinergic drugs can dry up nasal secretions.

Cholinergic

Capable of releasing acetylcholine.
Cholinergic neurons release acetylcholine at synapses.

Anticholinergic

Capable of causing dry mouth or blurred vision.
She experienced anticholinergic side effects from the medication.

Cholinergic

Cholinergic agents are compounds which mimic the action of acetylcholine and/or butyrylcholine. In general, the word "choline" describes the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium cation.

Anticholinergic

Anticholinergics (anticholinergic agent) are a group of substances that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh) at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.These agents inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system by selectively blocking the binding of ACh to its receptor in nerve cells. The nerve fibers of the parasympathetic system are responsible for the involuntary movement of smooth muscles present in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, sweat glands, and many other parts of the body.In broad terms, anticholinergics are divided into two categories in accordance with their specific targets in the central and peripheral nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction: antimuscarinic agents, and antinicotinic agents (ganglionic blockers, neuromuscular blockers).The term "anticholinergic" is typically used to refer to antimuscarinics which competitively inhibit the binding of ACh to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors; such agents do not antagonize the binding at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, although the term is sometimes used to refer to agents which do so.

Cholinergic

Activated by or capable of liberating acetylcholine, especially in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Anticholinergic

Inhibiting or blocking the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site
Anticholinergic drugs.

Cholinergic

Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine
A cholinergic agent or drug.

Anticholinergic

That inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site

Cholinergic

(biochemistry) Of, pertaining to, activated by, producing or having the same function as acetylcholine.

Anticholinergic

(medicine) Any of a class of drugs, typically used to treat various disorders and some forms of poisoning, which inhibit the physiological action of acetylcholine at a receptor site

Cholinergic

(biochemistry) Any drug or substance producing or having the same function as acetylcholine.

Anticholinergic

A substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine

Cholinergic

Releasing or activated by acetylcholine or a related compound

Anticholinergic

Inhibiting or blocking the action of acetylcholine at a receptor site;
Anticholinergic drugs

Common Curiosities

Why are anticholinergic medications prescribed?

Anticholinergic medications are prescribed for various issues, including overactive bladder, COPD, and gastrointestinal spasms.

What is an anticholinergic effect?

An anticholinergic effect is the result of blocking acetylcholine receptors, often causing drying or relaxing effects.

When are cholinergic drugs used?

Cholinergic drugs are used in treating conditions like myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's disease.

Do anticholinergic drugs affect cognition?

Yes, anticholinergic drugs can impair cognition, causing confusion or memory loss, especially in the elderly.

What are common side effects of anticholinergics?

Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.

Can cholinergic drugs help with digestive issues?

Yes, cholinergic drugs can stimulate digestion by increasing gut activity.

What is a cholinergic crisis?

A cholinergic crisis is an overstimulation of the nervous system due to excessive acetylcholine, often due to medication overdose.

What does cholinergic mean?

Cholinergic refers to substances or systems that use or mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Are anticholinergic drugs used for Parkinson's disease?

Yes, they can be used to treat muscle rigidity and tremors in Parkinson's disease.

Can cholinergic substances affect the heart?

Yes, cholinergic substances can decrease heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve.

Are cholinergic effects always beneficial?

No, excessive cholinergic activity can lead to detrimental effects like excessive sweating or salivation.

Can cholinergic pathways be targeted for Alzheimer's treatment?

Yes, enhancing cholinergic transmission is a strategy for treating Alzheimer's symptoms.

Is dry eye a side effect of anticholinergic medications?

Yes, anticholinergic medications can reduce lacrimation, leading to dry eyes.

Are there natural cholinergic substances?

Yes, certain foods and compounds, like nicotine, can have cholinergic effects.

How do anticholinergic drugs affect the eyes?

They can cause pupil dilation and difficulty focusing, which is why they are used in eye exams.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Guitar vs. Guitalele
Next Comparison
Dedication vs. Baptism

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms