Cholinergics

Effect

All cholinergic substances bind to the acetylcholine receptor and cause the following effects in the body: constriction of the pupils (miosis), increase in the excretion of the body’s own glands (mucus, sweat, tear, stomach and pancreas glands) They also lead to an increase in the production of mucus in the goblet cells of the respiratory tract.

Fields of application

Due to the narrowing of the pupil and the dilatation of the aqueous humor, it is mainly used in the treatment of glaucoma. The following substances are used: pilocarpine (Pilopin), crabachol (Isopto Crabachol), physostigmine (Erserine). Substances of the substance group of cholinergics should be taken 3-4 times a day in the form of eye drops. The washout time is between 3 days and several weeks.

Side effects

Allergies are sometimes observed. Furthermore, the miosis (narrowing of the pupil) used in glaucoma treatment is one of the most impressive side effects of cholinergics. Occasionally a narrowing of the airways must be expected, which can lead to respiratory distress in pronounced cases.

Contraindications

Patients with known allergies to the substance group and patients with respiratory diseases (especially so-called obstructive respiratory diseases) should not be given cholinergics.