Anticholinergics Defined

Anticholinergics are medications used to treat asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Also known as antimuscarinic agents, they target the junction between nerves and muscle cells in the airway to maintain bronchodilation and reduce mucus production. They are taken by using an inhaler. In asthma, tiotropium (Spiriva® Respimat®) is a controller therapy in adults and children 6 years of age and older that is usually added to other controller therapies to improve long-term control of the disease. It should be taken consistently to prevent asthma flare-ups.

Find out more about asthma.