Cholinergic agonists are drugs that mimic the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The parasympathetic nervous system controls various organ and gland functions at rest, including digestion, defecation, lacrimation, salivation, and urination, and primarily uses acetylcholine as its main neurotransmitter.

What are cholinergic drugs used for?

Cholinergic drugs stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system by copying the action of Ach. They are given for Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, and myasthenia gravis.

What is an example of a cholinergic agonist?

The direct-acting cholinergic agonists work by directly binding to and activating the muscarinic receptors. Examples of direct-acting cholinergic agents include choline esters (acetylcholine, methacholine, carbachol, bethanechol) and alkaloids (muscarine, pilocarpine, cevimeline).