Anticholinergic Drugs
TERM
□ atropine
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
The anticholinergic drugs interfere or block the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) in the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). They are also called parasympatholytics or cholinergic blockers. They have actually been used therapeutically for many years,1 although they are not used very often today.2 They are derived from natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic sources.
Table 27-1 Anticholinergic Drugs | ||||||
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ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS CLIENT TEACHING
Dry mouth can be helped by chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, sipping fluids, rinsing mouth, or performing oral hygiene.
No activities requiring concentration until drug effects are known
Wear sunglasses.
Urinate before taking drug.
Increase intake of fluid and fiber to prevent constipation.
Do not breast-feed.
Stop eye drops if conjunctivitis, eye pain, dizziness, or heart palpitations occur.
Dry mouth can be helped by chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, sipping fluids, rinsing mouth, or performing oral hygiene.
Wear sunglasses.
Urinate beforetaking drug.
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