Antimuscarinic drugs, or muscarinic antagonists, block a chemical in your body called acetylcholine from getting through to the part of your nervous system that controls automatic functions like heartbeat, digestion and breathing. Healthcare providers use these to treat conditions like overactive bladder, COPD and Parkinson’s disease.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Antimuscarinic drugs, or muscarinic antagonists, are a type of medicine that block a chemical (neurotransmitter) in your body called acetylcholine. Normally, this neurotransmitter works like a messenger. It helps your nerves talk to your organs and muscles. Antimuscarinics stop this message from getting through to the muscarinic receptors found throughout your body.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Muscarinic receptors are a part of your parasympathetic nervous system. This part of your nervous system runs things in your body that you don’t have to think about, like:
By blocking acetylcholine, antimuscarinics change how those systems work. For example, they can speed up your heart rate or reduce involuntary muscle movement.
Antimuscarinics are a subtype of anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergics block all of the actions of acetylcholine. There are two subtypes:
Healthcare providers commonly use antimuscarinic drugs to treat overactive bladder. This is a condition that causes a variety of symptoms related to how often and how urgently you have to pee. The medication calms the muscles in your bladder, which helps control the feeling that you need to pee.
Providers also use antimuscarinics to treat lung conditions, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The drug helps relax the muscles in your lungs so you can breathe more easily.
Advertisement
Your provider may prescribe muscarinic antagonists to treat many other health conditions, including:
The most common antimuscarinic drugs are atropine and scopolamine. Atropine treats bradycardia and certain poisonings. Scopolamine helps treat the effects of motion sickness. Both of these drugs come naturally from a plant called Atropa belladonna.
There are many other lab-made muscarinic antagonists. These include benztropine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and ipratropium for the treatment of COPD.
Like most medications, muscarinic antagonists may cause side effects. Mild antimuscarinic effects may include:
More serious side effects can include:
If you notice any new or worrying side effects, let your provider know right away. They may change your dose or switch you to a different medication. Pay attention to how you feel, and keep your healthcare provider in the loop.
Finding the right medication is often a journey, and taking antimuscarinic drugs may be one step along the way. The goal is to help your body work better and make life easier. These medicines work best when you stay in contact with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. If something seems off — whether it’s a side effect or a change you didn’t expect — speak up. You know your body best, and the information you give your provider can help guide you toward the safest, most effective treatment.
Advertisement
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.