Anticholinergic Toxicity: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Anticholinergic Toxicity: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Article
Focused Health Topics
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+2 moreJul 10, 2023

Introduction:

Anticholinergic toxicity is a condition that occurs when there is an excess of anticholinergic medications in the body. Anticholinergic medications block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of anticholinergic toxicity.

Causes of Anticholinergic Toxicity:

Anticholinergic toxicity can be caused by:

  • Overdose of anticholinergic medications: Anticholinergic medications include medications used to treat conditions such as depression, allergies, and overactive bladder.
  • Accidental ingestion: Anticholinergic medications can be accidentally ingested by children or adults who mistake them for other medications.
  • Drug interactions: Anticholinergic medications can interact with other medications and lead to toxicity.

Symptoms of Anticholinergic Toxicity:

The symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth and eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Agitation and delirium
  • Hallucinations
  • Urinary retention
  • Constipation
  • Flushing and increased body temperature
  • Rapid heart rate

Treatment of Anticholinergic Toxicity:

The treatment of anticholinergic toxicity depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatments include:

  • Stopping the offending medication: If the toxicity is caused by an overdose or accidental ingestion of an anticholinergic medication, stopping the medication is the first step in treatment.
  • Supportive care: This may include monitoring vital signs, providing fluids and electrolytes, and managing symptoms such as agitation and hallucinations.
  • Antidote: In severe cases, an antidote medication called physostigmine may be administered to reverse the effects of the anticholinergic medication.

Conclusion:

Anticholinergic toxicity is a condition that occurs when there is an excess of anticholinergic medications in the body. It can be caused by overdose, accidental ingestion, or drug interactions, and symptoms can include dry mouth, confusion, and rapid heart rate. Treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include stopping the offending medication, supportive care, or an antidote medication.

Hashtags: #anticholinergictoxicity #anticholinergicmedications #symptoms #treatment #physostigmine


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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

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