Which statement about the adverse effects of anticholinergic medications is true?

Which statement about the adverse effects of anticholinergic medications is true?

• A. They can cause urinary retention
• B. They cure dystonia
• C. They always cause hypotension
• D. They have no effect on intraocular pressure

Answer: (A)

Blocking muscarinic receptors with anticholinergic medications reduces parasympathetic activity. In the bladder, acetylcholine normally triggers detrusor muscle contraction to empty the bladder; when these receptors are blocked, the detrusor cannot contract effectively, so urine cannot be expelled well, leading to urinary retention. This is a common and clinically important adverse effect, especially in older adults or men with underlying prostatic issues. Regarding the other statements: anticholinergics are not cures for dystonia; they may be used to treat certain extrapyramidal symptoms but do not cure the underlying condition. They do not consistently cause hypotension; they more commonly cause tachycardia and sometimes orthostatic changes rather than universal low blood pressure. They can affect intraocular pressure by dilating the pupil and reducing drainage, which can raise pressure, so the claim that they have no effect on intraocular pressure is incorrect.

Blocking muscarinic receptors with anticholinergic medications reduces parasympathetic activity. In the bladder, acetylcholine normally triggers detrusor muscle contraction to empty the bladder; when these receptors are blocked, the detrusor cannot contract effectively, so urine cannot be expelled well, leading to urinary retention. This is a common and clinically important adverse effect, especially in older adults or men with underlying prostatic issues.

Regarding the other statements: anticholinergics are not cures for dystonia; they may be used to treat certain extrapyramidal symptoms but do not cure the underlying condition. They do not consistently cause hypotension; they more commonly cause tachycardia and sometimes orthostatic changes rather than universal low blood pressure. They can affect intraocular pressure by dilating the pupil and reducing drainage, which can raise pressure, so the claim that they have no effect on intraocular pressure is incorrect.