Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine, affecting muscarinic or nicotinic receptors, and are used for various conditions like allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or neurological disorders. I asked Grok for a summary of OTC and Rx drugs, which I have printed below. Since the antihistamine I take is on the list, I further asked for research pertaining to its long-term safety. That article is printing; I’ll be talking to my doctor about it at my next appointment.
Below is a list of common anticholinergic drugs, divided into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription categories, based on their availability and use. Note that some drugs may have varying availability by country, and this list focuses primarily on medications available in the United States.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Anticholinergic Drugs
These are typically antihistamines with anticholinergic properties, used for allergies, motion sickness, or sleep aids:
Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl, Unisom SleepGels): Used for allergies, motion sickness, or as a sleep aid.
Dimenhydrinate (e.g., Dramamine): Primarily for motion sickness and nausea.
Meclizine (e.g., Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy): Used for motion sickness and vertigo.
Chlorpheniramine (e.g., Chlor-Trimeton): An antihistamine for allergies.
Brompheniramine (e.g., Dimetapp): Used for allergy symptoms.
Prescription Anticholinergic Drugs
These are used for a range of conditions, including overactive bladder, COPD, gastrointestinal disorders, and Parkinson’s disease:
Atropine: Used for bradycardia, eye exams (mydriasis), or as an antidote for certain poisonings.
Scopolamine (e.g., Transderm Scop): For motion sickness or postoperative nausea.
Hyoscyamine (e.g., Levsin, Anaspaz): For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers, or bladder spasms.
Dicyclomine (e.g., Bentyl): For IBS and intestinal cramping.
Oxybutynin (e.g., Ditropan, Oxytrol): For overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Tolterodine (e.g., Detrol): For overactive bladder.
Darifenacin (e.g., Enablex): For overactive bladder.
Solifenacin (e.g., Vesicare): For overactive bladder.
Trospium (e.g., Sanctura): For overactive bladder.
Fesoterodine (e.g., Toviaz): For overactive bladder.
Ipratropium (e.g., Atrovent): For COPD and asthma (inhaled).
Tiotropium (e.g., Spiriva): For COPD (inhaled).
Glycopyrrolate (e.g., Robinul, Cuvposa): For peptic ulcers, excessive salivation, or as a preoperative medication.
Trihexyphenidyl (e.g., Artane): For Parkinson’s disease and extrapyramidal symptoms.
Benztropine (e.g., Cogentin): For Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders.
Orphenadrine (e.g., Norflex): For muscle spasms and pain.
Flavoxate (e.g., Urispas): For urinary bladder spasms.
Notes:
Anticholinergic Burden: Many of these drugs, especially in older adults, can cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, confusion, or urinary retention. The cumulative effect of multiple anticholinergic drugs (OTC or prescription) can increase risks, particularly for cognitive impairment.
Availability: Some drugs (e.g., Oxytrol) may have OTC formulations in certain regions, while others require prescriptions. Always check local regulations.
Other Medications: Some antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) and antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine) have anticholinergic effects but are not primarily classified as such and are thus not listed here.
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