Anticholinergics (antimuscarinics)
Anticholinergics block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which speeds the heart rate and dries secretions in the mouth, airways, and gut. Atropine treats a dangerously slow heart rate, dries secretions during surgery, and reverses poisoning from organophosphate insecticides and nerve agents. Dry mouth, blurred vision, a fast heart rate, flushing, and trouble urinating are typical. In older adults and at high doses they can cause confusion and overheating, so heart rhythm and mental status are watched.