NiHowdy > Drug Classes > Anticholinergics

Browse Medications by Drug Class: Anticholinergics

Written by Amar Lunagaria

Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder

Reviewed by James Wong

Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder

Published Jan 15, 2025

Fact checked

What are Anticholinergics?

Anticholinergics are a class of medications that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in transmitting signals in the parasympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting acetylcholine, these medications reduce activity in smooth muscles, glands, and other tissues regulated by the parasympathetic system. Anticholinergics are used to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory disorders, overactive bladder, and gastrointestinal issues. A unique characteristic of anticholinergics is their ability to relax smooth muscles and reduce involuntary bodily functions, making them versatile in managing diverse conditions. NiHowdy ensures affordable access to these medications, helping patients manage chronic and acute conditions effectively.

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List of drugs in Anticholinergics

Drug Name	More Information	NiHowdy Prices & Bitcoin Rebate

Anaspaz	Anaspaz Information	Anaspaz Pricing
AtroPen	AtroPen Information	AtroPen Pricing
Atropine Sulfate	Atropine Sulfate Information	Atropine Sulfate Pricing
Atrovent HFA	Atrovent HFA Information	Atrovent HFA Pricing
Belladonna Alkaloids-Opium	Belladonna Alkaloids-Opium Information	Belladonna Alkaloids-Opium Pricing
Bentyl	Bentyl Information	Bentyl Pricing
Benztropine Mesylate	Benztropine Mesylate Information	Benztropine Mesylate Pricing
Cogentin	Cogentin Information	Cogentin Pricing
Cuvposa	Cuvposa Information	Cuvposa Pricing
Darifenacin Hydrobromide ER	Darifenacin Hydrobromide ER Information	Darifenacin Hydrobromide ER Pricing
Dartisla ODT	Dartisla ODT Information	Dartisla ODT Pricing
Detrol	Detrol Information	Detrol Pricing
Detrol LA	Detrol LA Information	Detrol LA Pricing
Dicyclomine HCl	Dicyclomine HCl Information	Dicyclomine HCl Pricing
Ditropan XL	Ditropan XL Information	Ditropan XL Pricing
Donnatal	Donnatal Information	Donnatal Pricing
Ed-Spaz	Ed-Spaz Information	Ed-Spaz Pricing
Fesoterodine Fumarate ER	Fesoterodine Fumarate ER Information	Fesoterodine Fumarate ER Pricing
flavoxATE HCl	flavoxATE HCl Information	flavoxATE HCl Pricing
Gelnique	Gelnique Information	Gelnique Pricing
Glycate	Glycate Information	Glycate Pricing
Glycopyrrolate	Glycopyrrolate Information	Glycopyrrolate Pricing
Glycopyrrolate PF	Glycopyrrolate PF Information	Glycopyrrolate PF Pricing
Glyrx-PF	Glyrx-PF Information	Glyrx-PF Pricing
Hyoscyamine Sulfate	Hyoscyamine Sulfate Information	Hyoscyamine Sulfate Pricing
Hyoscyamine Sulfate ER	Hyoscyamine Sulfate ER Information	Hyoscyamine Sulfate ER Pricing
Hyoscyamine Sulfate SL	Hyoscyamine Sulfate SL Information	Hyoscyamine Sulfate SL Pricing
Hyosyne	Hyosyne Information	Hyosyne Pricing
Incruse Ellipta	Incruse Ellipta Information	Incruse Ellipta Pricing
Ipratropium Bromide	Ipratropium Bromide Information	Ipratropium Bromide Pricing
Isopto Atropine	Isopto Atropine Information	Isopto Atropine Pricing
Levbid	Levbid Information	Levbid Pricing
Levsin	Levsin Information	Levsin Pricing
Levsin/SL	Levsin/SL Information	Levsin/SL Pricing
Lonhala Magnair Refill Kit	Lonhala Magnair Refill Kit Information	Lonhala Magnair Refill Kit Pricing
Lonhala Magnair Starter Kit	Lonhala Magnair Starter Kit Information	Lonhala Magnair Starter Kit Pricing
Methscopolamine Bromide	Methscopolamine Bromide Information	Methscopolamine Bromide Pricing
NuLev	NuLev Information	NuLev Pricing
Oscimin	Oscimin Information	Oscimin Pricing
Oscimin SR	Oscimin SR Information	Oscimin SR Pricing
Oxybutynin Chloride	Oxybutynin Chloride Information	Oxybutynin Chloride Pricing
Oxybutynin Chloride ER	Oxybutynin Chloride ER Information	Oxybutynin Chloride ER Pricing
Oxytrol	Oxytrol Information	Oxytrol Pricing
Phenohytro	Phenohytro Information	Phenohytro Pricing
Robinul	Robinul Information	Robinul Pricing
Robinul-Forte	Robinul-Forte Information	Robinul-Forte Pricing
Scopolamine	Scopolamine Information	Scopolamine Pricing
Solifenacin Succinate	Solifenacin Succinate Information	Solifenacin Succinate Pricing
Spiriva HandiHaler	Spiriva HandiHaler Information	Spiriva HandiHaler Pricing
Spiriva Respimat	Spiriva Respimat Information	Spiriva Respimat Pricing
Symax Duotab	Symax Duotab Information	Symax Duotab Pricing
Symax-SL	Symax-SL Information	Symax-SL Pricing
Symax-SR	Symax-SR Information	Symax-SR Pricing
Tolterodine Tartrate	Tolterodine Tartrate Information	Tolterodine Tartrate Pricing
Tolterodine Tartrate ER	Tolterodine Tartrate ER Information	Tolterodine Tartrate ER Pricing
Toviaz	Toviaz Information	Toviaz Pricing
Trihexyphenidyl HCl	Trihexyphenidyl HCl Information	Trihexyphenidyl HCl Pricing
Trospium Chloride	Trospium Chloride Information	Trospium Chloride Pricing
Trospium Chloride ER	Trospium Chloride ER Information	Trospium Chloride ER Pricing
Tudorza Pressair	Tudorza Pressair Information	Tudorza Pressair Pricing
VESIcare	VESIcare Information	VESIcare Pricing
VESIcare LS	VESIcare LS Information	VESIcare LS Pricing

Brief history about Anticholinergics?

Anticholinergics have been used for centuries, starting with natural compounds like atropine and scopolamine derived from plants such as belladonna. Over time, synthetic anticholinergic drugs were developed to target specific receptors and minimize side effects. Today, these medications are used across various medical disciplines, including pulmonology, urology, and gastroenterology. NiHowdy simplifies access to these essential treatments, ensuring affordability and availability for patients.

How do Anticholinergics work?

Anticholinergics work by blocking acetylcholine from binding to its receptors in the nervous system, specifically the muscarinic receptors. This action inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing muscle contractions, glandular secretions, and other involuntary activities. For example, ipratropium is used to relax airway muscles in conditions like COPD, improving airflow and reducing symptoms. NiHowdy provides affordable access to anticholinergics, ensuring patients receive effective treatment for their conditions.

What are Anticholinergics used to treat?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Anticholinergics like tiotropium and ipratropium are widely used to manage COPD by relaxing airway muscles, reducing bronchospasms, and improving airflow.

Overactive Bladder

Medications such as oxybutynin and tolterodine are prescribed to treat overactive bladder by relaxing the bladder muscles, reducing urinary urgency and frequency.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Anticholinergics like hyoscyamine and dicyclomine are used to manage conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia by relaxing gastrointestinal muscles and reducing spasms.

Motion Sickness

Scopolamine is commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain's vomiting center.

Parkinson's Disease

Anticholinergics such as benztropine are used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and rigidity, by balancing dopamine and acetylcholine activity in the brain.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

In patients experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) caused by antipsychotic medications, anticholinergics like benztropine provide relief by reducing involuntary movements.

Who should consider Anticholinergics medications?

Adults

Anticholinergics are commonly prescribed for adults managing chronic conditions like COPD, overactive bladder, or IBS. They provide targeted relief by relaxing smooth muscles and reducing symptoms. NiHowdy ensures adults can access these treatments affordably and conveniently.

Children

In pediatric cases, anticholinergics may be used to treat specific conditions like motion sickness or gastrointestinal spasms. Doses are carefully adjusted based on weight and age to ensure safety and efficacy. NiHowdy supports families with cost-effective solutions and reliable resources for managing pediatric conditions.

Seniors

Seniors with conditions like COPD, Parkinson's disease, or overactive bladder benefit significantly from anticholinergics. However, older adults require careful monitoring due to potential side effects, such as confusion or dry mouth. NiHowdy simplifies access to anticholinergics for seniors, offering affordable options tailored to their unique needs.

Are Anticholinergics safe?

Anticholinergics are generally safe when prescribed and monitored appropriately. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and dizziness. Rare but serious risks include confusion, urinary retention, and increased heart rate, particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any history of glaucoma, urinary retention, or heart disease. NiHowdy provides safe and affordable access to anticholinergics, supported by expert guidance to manage these risks responsibly.

Can I take Anticholinergics during pregnancy?

The safety of anticholinergics during pregnancy varies depending on the medication and condition being treated. Some anticholinergics, like scopolamine, are considered safe for short-term use, while others may require caution. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice. NiHowdy provides cost-effective access to expert guidance and alternative treatments for pregnant patients.

Are Anticholinergics safe to take while lactating?

The safety of anticholinergics during lactation depends on the specific medication and dose. Some anticholinergics are considered safe, while others may pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for recommendations. NiHowdy ensures affordable access to trusted information and safe treatment options for breastfeeding parents.

Are Anticholinergics controlled substances?

Anticholinergics are not classified as controlled substances but require a prescription due to their potential side effects and the need for appropriate dosing. NiHowdy simplifies the prescription process, ensuring patients receive these critical medications affordably and responsibly.

Side effects of Anticholinergics?

Common side effects of anticholinergics include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, and urinary retention. Rare but serious risks include confusion, memory problems, and increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults. Patients experiencing severe side effects should consult their healthcare provider immediately. NiHowdy helps patients manage these risks with expert-backed support and affordable care options.

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Cost considerations and insurance coverage for Anticholinergics

The cost of anticholinergics varies depending on the specific medication and formulation (e.g., oral, transdermal, or inhaled). Generic options like oxybutynin and ipratropium are generally affordable, and many insurance plans cover these medications. NiHowdy offers discounts, rebates, and Bitcoin rewards to ensure these treatments remain accessible and cost-effective.

How do I get rebates on Anticholinergics?

NiHowdy's Bitcoin rebate program for anticholinergic prescriptions offers patients a unique opportunity to save on healthcare costs while earning potential financial growth. This innovative approach makes managing chronic and acute conditions both affordable and rewarding, improving access to critical care while building long-term value.

Therapeutic Classes linked to Anticholinergics

Antiasthmatics (Asthma)

Anticholinergics (Nerve Signals)

Antiparkinson Agents (Parkinson's)

Antispasmodics (Spasms)

Medical Conditions treated by Anticholinergics