anticholinergic

adjective

an·​ti·​cho·​lin·​er·​gic ˌan-tē-ˌkō-lə-ˈnər-jik  ˌan-tī- 

: opposing or blocking the physiologic action of acetylcholine

The more sedating tricyclic antidepressant drugs … are more likely to produce orthostatic hypotension and such adverse anticholinergic effects as urinary hesitancy, constipation, dry mouth, and blurred vision …

—Patricia N. Prinz et al.

… anticholinergic drugs used to treat a broad range of conditions, from overactive bladder to bronchial spasms.

—Melinda Beck

anticholinergic noun

Examples of anticholinergic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One study looked at the impact of anticholinergic medications on cognition, specifically in causing dementia. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025

Common anticholinergic drugs include Ditropan (oxybutynin), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and atropine.16 Cholinergic drugs: Bacopa may have the opposite effect on cholinergic drugs, increasing acetylcholine levels and the risk for cholinergic side effects. —Alex Yampolsky, Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Some people are also prescribed dopamine agonists, enzyme inhibitors, amantadine and anticholinergic drugs, the source stated. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2024

Although the mechanism of how imipramine works is unclear, its anticholinergic side effects are presumed to help cause urine retention. —Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Certain classes of drugs, including certain antipsychotics, hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medications, can trigger sundowning. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024

These include anticholinergic medications, anticonvulsants, bladder medications and sedatives. —Carmel Wroth, NPR, 6 June 2024

This topical anticholinergic medicine is available by prescription to treat hyperhidrosis on the underarms in adults and children aged 9 and older.4 Some high-strength OTC and prescription antiperspirants may cause itching and burning if used incorrectly. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 28 Jan. 2024

These are often comprised of a combination of a medicine to open airways (a bronchodilator, but commonly a long-acting formulation is used in people with COPD, except those with very mild COPD) along with an inhaled anticholinergic medicine, also called an antimuscarinic. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 14 Oct. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anticholinergic

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​cho·​lin·​er·​gic -ˌkō-lə-ˈnər-jik 

: opposing or blocking the physiological action of acetylcholine

anticholinergic

2 of 2 noun

: a drug having an anticholinergic action