Cholinomimetics: Direct Agonists

Question 1

Bethanechol

Answer 1

Clinic: postop ileus, urinary retention

Activates bowel and bladder smooth muscles; resistant to AChE

Question 2

Carbachol

Answer 2

Clinic: glaucoma, pupillary constriction, relief of intraocular pressure

“CARbon copy of AcetylCHOLine”

Question 3

Pilocarpine

Answer 3

Clinic: stimulates sweat, tears and saliva. Treats Sjogren’s which is a disease of being dry.

Contracts ciliary muscle of eye (open angle glaucoma), pupillary sphincter (closed-angle glaucoma); resistant to AChE.

“You cry, drool and sweat on your PILlow.”

Question 4

Methacholine

Answer 4

Clinic: challenge test for asthma, M3 receptor agonist

Stimulates muscarinic receptors in airway when inhaled