Parasympathetic Nervous System

Question 1

What are cholinergics?

Answer 1

Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 2

What are cholinergics also called?

Answer 2

Cholinergic agnoists
Parasympathomimetics
Muscarinic agonists

Question 3

What are the 2 types of cholinergic receptors?

Answer 3

Muscarinic (parasympathetic responses)

Nicotinic (n and m - skeletal muscles )

Question 4

What are the major uses of cholinergic drugs?

Answer 4

Stimulate the bladder
Stimulate the GI tone
Constrict the pupils
Treatment of Alzheimers and Myasthenia Gravis
Decreases HR & BP
Increases salivary and bronchial secretions

Question 5

What is the suffix for cholinergics?

Answer 5

• chol

Question 6

What is bethanechol?

Answer 6

Elicits parasympathetic responses (activates muscarinic receptors )
Used to relieve urinary retention

Question 7

Adverse effects of bethanechol?

Answer 7

Diarrhea
Excessive salivation
Constricted pupils
Bronchoconstriction
Bradycardia

Question 8

What is acetylcholinesterase?

Answer 8

An enzyme that stops the action of acetylcholine

Question 9

What is the primary NT of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 9

Acetylcholine

Question 10

What are cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE inhibitors)?

Answer 10

Inhibit acetylcholinesterase so Ach concentration can increase and work
Considered a parasympathomimetic agent

Question 11

What is the suffix of AChE inhibitors?

Answer 11

• stigmine

Question 12

What is neostigmine?

Answer 12

Short acting, poorly crosses membranes so it is given IV, IM, SQ

Question 13

What is physostigmine?

Answer 13

Can be given orally
Treats Myasthenia Gravis
Treatment of atropine (or anticholinergic) toxicity
Causes Ach to build up at muscarinic junctions

Question 14

Adverse effects of AChE inhibitors?

Answer 14

Bradycardia
Hypotension
Constricted pupils
Abdominal cramping
Excess saliva
Diarrhea

Question 15

Are AChE inhibitors parasympathomimetics?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

What is a cholinergic crisis?

Answer 16

Life threatening overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE inhibitors)

Question 17

What is the antidote for a cholinergic crisis?

Answer 17

Atropine Sulfate (anticholinergic drug)

Question 18

How to identify a cholinergic crisis?

Answer 18

S: salivation
L: lacrimation
U: urination (relaxed internal sphincter)
D: diarrhea
G: GI distress
E: emesis

Question 19

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 19

autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that produces antibodies that attack nicotinic receptors, so there is lack of skeletal muscle movement due to lack of Ach being able to act on those receptors

Question 20

What are the symptoms of MG?

Answer 20

Ptosis
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Skeletal muscle weakness
Rapid fatigue

Question 21

What are anticholinergics?

Answer 21

Inhibit the action of acetylcholine

Question 22

What are anticholinergics also called?

Answer 22

Parasympatholytics

Antimuscarinic agents

Question 23

What are the major responses of giving anticholinergic drugs?

Answer 23

Increased pulse rate
Decreased GI motility
Relaxation of bronchi
Decrease in salivation
Dilation of pupils

Question 24

Commonly used anticholinergic agents?

Answer 24

Atropine***
Oxybutynin
Scopolamine
Ipratropium
Dicyclomine

Question 25

What is Atropine used for?

Answer 25

Decrease salivary secretions
Maintain heart rate
Increase heart rate when bradycardia is present (slowed dysrhythmias)
Dilate pupils for eye exams
Antidote for cholinergic overdose (nerve agent in bioterrorism attack)

Question 26

Adverse effects of Anticholinergics?

Answer 26

Tachycardia
Urinary retention
Dry mouth/dry eyes
Blurred vision
Increased intraocular pressure (contraindicated in patients with glaucoma)
Constipation

Question 27

What is Oxybutynin used for?

Answer 27

urinary tract antispasmodic
treat overactive bladder
incontinence

Question 28

What is Scopolamine used for?

Answer 28

motion sickness

eye examinations

Question 29

What is Ipratropium used for?

Answer 29

Used for asthma, COPD, rhinitis (increases bronchodilation)

Administered via inhaler

Question 30

What is Dicyclomine?

Answer 30

Used for IBS (decreases GI motility)