How Do Topical Anticholinergics Work?

Topical anticholinergics are a class of medications used to treat hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating not necessarily related to heat or exercise; it can cause discomfort and embarrassment, and the people affected may have trouble working or enjoying recreational activities that negatively affect the quality of life.

Topical anticholinergics are administered as a drug solution on a premoistened cloth for application to the skin. They work in the following ways:

• They block the action of a neurotransmitter called “acetylcholine” in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Acetylcholine is responsible for transferring signals between certain cells that perform specific bodily functions (including digestion, urination, salivation).
• Topical anticholinergics block the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the peripheral sweat glands, which reduces sweat production.

• Topical anticholinergics are used for treating hyperhidrosis.

Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Erythema (redness of the skin or mucous membranes)
• Burning and/or stinging
• Pruritis/rash at the application site
• Other rare side effects include:
• Headache
• Dry skin//nose/throat/eyes
• Dermatitis (a condition that makes the skin red and itchy)
• Blurred vision
• Trouble urinating
• Constipation
• Postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure due to a change in body position)

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:                              

• Glycopyrronium tosylate topical
• Qbrexza