parasympatholytic
Vagal nerve blocker
Parasympatholytic describes drugs or agents that block the parasympathetic nervous system—the part that slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, and constricts pupils.
These medications produce effects opposite to parasympathetic activity: increased heart rate, dry mouth, dilated pupils.
Atropine is the classic example.
Also called anticholinergic, since the parasympathetic system uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter.
pharmacological
Blocks acetylcholine receptors
- atropineAnticholinergic alkaloid medication
- scopolamineTropane alkaloid for nausea
- belladonnaToxic herb yielding atropine
physiological
Self-regulating bodily control network
- heart rate increaseFaster cardiac rhythm
- vagus nerveMajor parasympathetic cranial pathway
clinical
Widening of air passages
- overactive bladderUrinary urgency condition
- motion sicknessNausea from perceived movement
- dry mouthInsufficient saliva production
- tachycardiaExcessively fast pulse
anticholinergic
Blocks acetylcholine receptors
- atropineAnticholinergic alkaloid medication
- scopolamineTropane alkaloid for nausea
- belladonnaToxic herb yielding atropine
autonomic nervous system
Self-regulating bodily control network
- heart rate increaseFaster cardiac rhythm
- vagus nerveMajor parasympathetic cranial pathway
bronchodilation
Widening of air passages
- overactive bladderUrinary urgency condition
- motion sicknessNausea from perceived movement
- dry mouthInsufficient saliva production
parasympathetic nervous system effect
parasympatholyticparasympathomimetic
Activates rest-digest pathways