Anticholinergics and Antispasmodics (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Rectal Route, Transdermal Route)

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Anticholinergics and Antispasmodics (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Rectal Route, Transdermal Route)

US Brand Names

Canadian Brand Names

Description

The anticholinergics and antispasmodics are a group of medicines that include the natural belladonna alkaloids (atropine, belladonna, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine) and related products.

The anticholinergics and antispasmodics are used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. Some are used together with antacids or other medicines in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Others are used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

Anticholinergics and antispasmodics are also used in certain surgical and emergency procedures. In surgery, some are given by injection before anesthesia to help relax you and to decrease secretions, such as saliva. During anesthesia and surgery, atropine, glycopyrrolate, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine are used to help keep the heartbeat normal. Scopolamine is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and surgery. Atropine is also given by injection to help relax the stomach and intestines for certain types of procedures.

Anticholinergics are used to treat poisoning caused by medicines such as neostigmine and physostigmine, certain types of mushrooms, and “nerve” gases or organic phosphorous pesticides (eg, demeton [Systox®], diazinon, malathion, parathion, and ronnel [Trolene®]). Anticholinergics can be used for painful menstruation, runny nose, and to prevent urination during sleep.

The anticholinergics and antispasmodics are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, anticholinergics and antispasmodics are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

• Asthma therapy
• Diarrhea
• Excessive watering of the mouth

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Suppository
• Solution
• Capsule, Extended Release
• Elixir
• Capsule, Liquid Filled
• Syrup
• Tablet, Extended Release
• Gel/Jelly
• Patch, Extended Release
• Spray
• Liquid
• Tablet, Disintegrating
• Tablet, Chewable

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