HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

MEDICATIONS WITH SIGNIFICANT ANTICHOLINERGIC PROPERTIES

Study Abstract

Table II lists common medications with significant anticholinergic properties and
potential adverse consequences, but is not all-inclusive. Any of the following signs and
symptoms may be caused by any of the medications in the lists below, alone or in
combination, as well as by other medications not listed here that have anticholinergic
properties.
This table is provided because: 1) Medications in many categories have anticholinergic
properties; 2) The use of multiple medications with such properties may be particularly
problematic because of the cumulative effects; and 3) Anticholinergic side effects are
particularly common and problematic, especially in the older individual61, 62.
Examples of Medications with Anticholinergic Properties
ANTIHISTAMINES (H-1 BLOCKERS)
chlorpheniramine cyproheptadine
diphenhydramine hydroxyzine
CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS
furosemide digoxin
nifedipine disopyramide
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
amoxapine amitriptyline
clomipramine desipramine
doxepin imipramine
nortriptyline protriptyline
paroxetine
GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICATIONS
Antidiarrheal Medications
diphenoxylate atropine
Antispasmodic Medications
belladonna clidinium
chlordiazepoxide dicyclomine
hyoscyamine propantheline
Antiulcer Medications
cimetidine ranitidine
Transmittal 22 Excerpt Table II
Jan 07
Page 1 of 2
ANTIPARKINSON MEDICATIONS
amantadine benztropine
biperiden trihexyphenidyl
ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS
chlorpromazine clozapine
olanzapine thioridazine
MUSCLE RELAXANTS
cyclobenzaprine dantrolene
orphenadrine
URINARY INCONTINENCE
oxybutynin probantheline
solifenacin tolterodine
trospium
ANTIVERTIGO MEDICATIONS
meclizine scopolamine
PHENOTHIAZINE ANTIEMETICS
prochlorperazine promethazine
Potential Adverse Consequences of Medications with Anticholinergic Properties
Blood pressure, increased Breathing difficulty, changes
Clumsiness or unsteadiness Convulsions
Digestive system changes, e.g.,
Bloating
Bowel motility, decreased
Constipation
Ileus, paralytic/adynamic
Nausea or vomiting
Swallowing difficulty with dry mouth
Mental status/behavior changes, e.g.,
Distress, excitement, nervousness
Attention, impaired
Cognitive decline
Confusion/disorientation
Hallucinations
Memory loss
Restlessness or irritability
Delirium Dizziness
Drowsiness Fever
Headache Heart rate, increased
Lethargy, fatigue Mucous membrane dryness: mouth, nose
Muscle weakness, severe Speech, slurring
Skin, changes
Dryness Sweating, decreased
Flushing Warmth, excessive
Vision impairment, changes in acuity
Blurring Glaucoma, worsening
Eye pain Light sensitivity
Urinary retention or difficulty