Question

Some anticholinergic drugs have the same clinical indications in the pediatric population as in the adult population. Which of the following statements accurately describes a difference between the populations related to the use of anticholinergics?

A) Adverse effects tend to be more severe in children.
B) Anticholinergic drugs create different adverse effects in children.
C) Adverse effects tend to be less severe in children.
D) Anticholinergic drugs are more effective in the pediatric population.

Answer 1

A) Adverse effects tend to be more severe in children

Step-by-step explanation:

This is so as a result of the effect of anticholinergics on muscarinic receptors which are distributed all over the body. As such these adverse effects affects the salivary gland, gastrointestinal system, the central nervous system and the urinary system. This then leads to dry mouth, constipation and mood changes.

The adverse effects seems to be more because the organs of paediatric patients are not fully developed so the time needed for the drug to be metabolized will be longer therefore allowing the drug to be in circulation for a longer time.