anticholinergic
Acetylcholine-Blocking
Plain-language definition
Blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Anticholinergic drugs or side effects can dilate pupils, reduce tear production, and blur near vision.
Where this term comes up
“Atropine is an anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) eye drop that dilates the pupil (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyzes the eye's focusing muscle (cycloplegia).”
Medication · Atropine Eye Drops
“Reduced tear production (anticholinergic effect) - many drugs block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the lacrimal gland.”
Guide · Medications That Cause Dry Eye
“Anticholinergics (antihistamines, cold medications)”
Condition · Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Category
- Clinical term
- Also written as
- anticholinergics
Clinical terms are words clinicians use to describe symptoms, signs, risk factors, or patterns seen during evaluation.
Related glossary terms
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- punctum
Tear Drain Opening
- antidepressant
Mood-Regulating Drug
- antihistamine
Allergy-Blocking Drug
- aqueous
Eye Fluid (Front Chamber)
- lacrimal
Tear-Related
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.