Abstract
The anticholinergic syndrome is common and may result from exposures to many drugs or natural substances (Table 1). Anticholinergic effects are desired or intended effects for certain drugs (i.e., antispasmodics, mydriatics, and belladonna alkaloids) and are undesired or side-effects for other drugs (i.e., antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiparkinsonians). Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs may have anticholinergic effects. Combined use of more than one drug with anticholinergic effects increases the risk of anticholinergic toxicity. The anticholinergic syndrome, also called the , has peripheral and central manifestations. The more serious adverse effects associated with large exposures to these agents are often a result of other physiologic properties of these agents rather than the anticholinergic effects.