Cholinergic Drugs
TERMS
□ bethanechol (Urecholine)
□ neostigmine (Prostigmine)
□ donepezil (Aricept)
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The cholinergic drugs have the same effect in the body as the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (ACh). Thus, they stimulate sites in the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). They are also called parasympathomimetics because their action is identical to that of the PSNS. This group of drugs has the ability to act either indirectly or directly on receptor sites. Due to the fact that they work on sites all over the body, the effects of these drugs are quite extensive as are their adverse effects.
Table 26-1 Cholinergic Drugs | ||||||||||||
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CHOLINERGIC DRUGS CLIENT TEACHINGDirect-Acting Cholinergics
Do not breast-feed.
No activities that require concentration until response to drug is known
Change position slowly.
Be aware that blurred vision may occur.
To prevent fainting, do not stand for long periods of time.
For eye preparations, do not insert soft contact lenses until 15 minutes after instilling drug to prevent staining lenses.
No activities that require concentration until response to drug is known
Be aware that blurred vision may occur.
For eye preparations, do not insert soft contact lenses until 15 minutes after instilling drug to prevent staining lenses.Indirect-Acting Cholinergics (Including Those for Alzheimer’s Disease)
Do not breast-feed.
Frequent changes in dosing may occur.
Drug may need to be taken during the night.
Keep a written record of drug response for physician.
Avoid standing for long periods to prevent fainting.
Signs of GI bleeding (eg, pain, bloody stools, coffee-ground emesis) need to be reported to physician immediately.
Frequent changes in dosing may occur.
Drug may need to be taken during the night.
ACTION
