Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Nicotinic antagonist

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]



Overview

Overview

A nicotinic antagonist is a type of anticholinergic which inhibits the action at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These compounds are mainly used for peripheral muscle paralysis in surgery, but some centrally acting compounds such as mecamylamine and 18-methoxycoronaridine block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and can be used for treating drug addiction.

Comparison
Mechanism Antagonist Preferred receptor Clinical use
Ganglionic blocking agents Hexamethonium Ganglion type none[1]
Mecamylamine Ganglion type
Trimethaphan Ganglion type Rarely used for blood pressure decrease during surgery[1]
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents Atracurium Muscle type muscle relaxant in anaesthesia[1]
Doxacurium Muscle type
Mivacurium Muscle type
Pancuronium Muscle type muscle relaxant in anaesthesia[1]
Tubocurarine Muscle type Rarely used [1]
Vecuronium Muscle type muscle relaxant in anaesthesia[1]
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents Succinylcholine Muscle type
Centrally acting nicotinic antagonists 18-Methoxycoronaridine α3β4
References

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4. Page 149
External links


Template:Receptor agonists and antagonists

Template:WikiDoc Sources

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH