Parasympathomimetics

A parasympathomimetic is a drug or poison that acts by stimulating or mimicking the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These chemicals are also called cholinergics because acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter used by the PNS. Chemicals in this family can act by either directly stimulating the nicotinic or muscarinic receptors, or they can act indirectly by inhibiting cholinesterase, promoting acetylcholine release, or other mechanisms. Some Chemical weapons such as sarin or VX, Non-lethal riot control agents such as tear gas, and insecticides such as Diazinon fall into this category.

Pharmaceuticals

  • Direct acting
  • Indirect acting
    • Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors
      • Donepezil
        Edrophonium
        Neostigmine
        Physostigmine
        Pyridostigmine
        Tacrine
    • Irreversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors
      • Echothiophate
        Isoflurophate
        Malathion
    • Drugs that promote ACh release
      • Cisapride
        Metoclopramide
    • Drugs that work by other mechanisms

Sources

Brenner, G. M. (2000). Pharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7757-6

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