MoA: Blocks effects of acetylcholine to suppress cholinergic activity.
- Cholinergic receptors stimulate urinary and gastrointestinal activity, constrict pupils, increase salivation, constrict bronchioles, and decrease heart rate.
Indications: Parkinson’s Disease, Extrapyramidal Symptoms (e.g. Pseudoparkinsonism, Dystonia)
Contraindications: Glaucoma
Side Effects: Confusion, Tachycardia, Urinary Retention, GI Distress
Drug Interactions: Alcohol
Nursing Implications:
- Educate patients to avoid extremely hot temperatures due to increased risk for hyperthermia.
- Monitor for Urinary Tract abnormalities: difficulty starting and stopping, urinating minimal amounts, feelings of incomplete urination, and frequent urges to urinate.
- Monitor for Anticholinergic toxicity: urinary hesitancy, tremors, confusion, and hallucinations.
- Physostigmine is an antidote for Anticholinergic toxicity.
