What is a common side effect of cholinergic agents?

What is a common side effect of cholinergic agents?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Dry mouth

Answer: (C)

Cholinergic agents stimulate muscarinic receptors, boosting parasympathetic activity. In the gastrointestinal tract this markedly increases motility and secretions, so diarrhea is a common and expected side effect. Dry mouth would be opposite to cholinergic action, since these drugs increase secretions rather than dry them; bradycardia or hypotension can occur due to vagal effects but are not as consistently or characteristically seen as diarrhea.

Cholinergic agents stimulate muscarinic receptors, boosting parasympathetic activity. In the gastrointestinal tract this markedly increases motility and secretions, so diarrhea is a common and expected side effect. Dry mouth would be opposite to cholinergic action, since these drugs increase secretions rather than dry them; bradycardia or hypotension can occur due to vagal effects but are not as consistently or characteristically seen as diarrhea.