Ditran

Overview

Ditran is a term used to refer to a class of anticholinergic drugs that are known for their ability to block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. These drugs are primarily used for their effects on the autonomic nervous system, and they have a variety of medical applications, including the treatment of motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, and as pre-anesthetic medications.

Mechanism of Action

Ditran drugs work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. This inhibition leads to a decrease in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in effects such as pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and reduced secretions from glands.

Medical Uses

Ditran drugs are used in several medical contexts:

• Motion sickness: They help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness by reducing the activity of the vestibular system.
• Parkinson's disease: They are used to manage symptoms such as tremors and muscle stiffness by balancing the levels of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain.
• Pre-anesthetic medication: Ditran drugs are used to reduce salivation and respiratory secretions before surgery.

Side Effects

The use of Ditran drugs can lead to several side effects due to their anticholinergic properties. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Confusion and hallucinations in higher doses

Examples of Ditran Drugs

Some common examples of Ditran drugs include:

• Atropine
• Scopolamine
• Hyoscyamine

Image Gallery

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Chemical structure of a typical Ditran compound.

Related Pages

• Anticholinergic
• Muscarinic receptor
• Acetylcholine
• Parasympathetic nervous system