Anticholinergics are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:

• Allergies. Exaggerated or inappropriate reaction of the immune system to any substance that, in most people, causes no symptoms. Anticholinergics treat the inflammation common in allergic reactions, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

• Asthma. Condition in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Anticholinergics act as bronchodilators, reducing bronchospasm in the airways and allowing asthma sufferers to breathe more easily.
  
  

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Condition characterized by obstructed airflow through the lungs, usually as a result of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Anticholinergics are usually the first medicine used in the treatment of COPD. They can help open up the airways in individuals with this condition.
  
  

  

• Chronic bronchitis. An inflammation of the mucous membranes in the bronchial tubes. Anticholinergics may be prescribed to help relax and open up the air passages.
  
  
• Emphysema. A condition in which the air sacs in the lungs are damaged or collapse, interfering with the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Anticholinergics may be used to help control the symptoms of emphysema.
  
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal pain and diarrhea often associated with emotional stress. Anticholinergics are used to reduce pain in individuals with this condition by relaxing the stomach muscles.
  
  
• Schizophrenia. Condition characterized by a separation between the thought processes and the emotions. Anticholinergics are often combined with other antipsychotic drugs to treat this condition.
  
  
• Shy-Drager syndrome. Abnormally functioning automatic nervous system. Anticholinergics can help treat the tremors commonly experienced with this condition.
  
  
• Cystic fibrosis. Inherited condition in which abnormal amounts of mucus are generated in the lungs and the pancreas does not function normally. Anticholinergics help prevent the narrowing of the bronchial tubes that often occurs with this condition.
  
  
• Parkinson’s disease. Nerve disease characterized by tremors, stiffness in the limbs and impaired balance. Anticholinergics can be useful in treating the tremors and stiffness associated with this condition.
  
  
• Cerebral palsy. Group of brain disorders often characterized by uncoordinated voluntary movement. Anticholinergic medications are used to treat the muscle stiffness, tremors and spasms associated with this condition.