Cholinergic drugs mimic or enhance the effects of acetylcholine by stimulating its receptors. This activation triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s natural “rest and digest” functions. A substance (or ligand) is cholinergic if it is capable of producing, altering, or releasing acetylcholine, or butyrylcholine ("indirect-acting"), or mimicking their behaviours at one or more of the body's acetylcholine receptor ("direct-acting") or butyrylcholine receptor types ("direct-acting").

Understanding the Context

Several agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors have been developed to target the cholinergic system to control inflammation in different tissues. This review discusses how various molecules of the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) interact with the immune cells. Cholinergic drug, any of various drugs that inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary transmitter of nerve impulses within the parasympathetic nervous system. Learn about types of cholinergic drugs and their uses and effects.

Key Insights

Cholinergic drugs represent a class of medications designed to influence the body’s cholinergic system. This intricate biological network relies on acetylcholine, a naturally occurring chemical messenger, to transmit signals throughout the body. What Do Cholinergic Drugs Do? How They Work & What They Treat Compare cholinergic agonists. View important safety information, ratings, user reviews, popularity and more.

Final Thoughts

1. Activated by or capable of liberating acetylcholine, especially in the parasympathetic nervous system. 2. Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine: a cholinergic agent or drug.