====== Anticholinergic ====== An anticholinergic agent is a substance that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter [[acetylcholine]] at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system. ---- [[Anticholinergic]]s may negatively impact [[cognition]] and [[memory]] ((Moga DC, Carnahan RM, Lund BC, et al. Risks and benefits of bladder antimuscarinics among elderly residents of Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013; 14:749–760)) ((Kay GG, Ebinger U. Preserving cognitive function for patients with overactive bladder: evidence for a differential effect with darifenacin. Int J Clin Pract. 2008; 62:1792–1800)). Newer agents ([[tolterodine]], [[darifenacin]]) have less impact on memory. [[Trospium]], a quaternary amine, crosses the blood-brain barrier less readily than other anticholinergics and may have a less negative impact ((Kay GG, Ebinger U. Preserving cognitive function for patients with overactive bladder: evidence for a differential effect with darifenacin. Int J Clin Pract. 2008; 62:1792–1800)). ---- [[Bladder contraction]] is produced by ACh-mediated stimulation of postganglionic parasympathetic muscarinic cholinergic receptors on bladder smooth muscle. [[Anticholinergic]]s bind M2 and M3 choline receptors and prevent stimulation. This increases bladder capacity by 50 ml and decreases bladder storage pressures by 15 cm H20 ((Cameron AP. Medical management of neurogenic bladder with oral therapy. Transl Androl Urol. 2016; 5:51–62)).