Anticholinergics Flashcards
preanesthetic agent
drugs administered prior to drugs which induce general anesthesia
How do anticholinergics (parasympatholytics) affect the body?
blocks action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors of parasympathetic nervous system
What areas of the body are controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system?
heart, GI tract, bronchi, several secretory glands including salivary and tear glands, iris of the eye
What are two anticholenergic drugs?
atropine sulfate, glycopyrrolate
How is atropine sulfate administered?
SQ, IM or IV (emergencies)
What is the recommended dosage of atropine sulfate?
0.02 mg/lb for dogs, cats, and pigs
What species is atropine sulfate generally not given to?
horses, ruminants
What is the duration of action of atropine sulfate?
90 minutes
How is glycopyrrolate administered?
SQ, IM or IV (for emergencies)
What is the dosage of glycopyrrolate?
0.005 mg/lb
What is the duration of glycopyrrolate?
2-4 hours
What is the advantage of glycopyrrolate over other anticholinergic drugs?
it doesn’t cross the blood-brain or placental barrier
What is the disadvantage of glycopyrrolate over other anticholinergic drugs?
cost
What are possible reasons for using anticholinergics?
dry salivary secretions, prevent bradyardia from vagal stimulation, or increase heart rate
What effect do all modern gas anaeshtetics share?
they all increase parasympathetic effects
