Which carbamylcholine ester is used to treat GI atony and urinary retention?

Which carbamylcholine ester is used to treat GI atony and urinary retention?

• A. Bethanechol
• B. Carbamylcholine
• C. Pilocarpine
• D. Neostigmine

Answer: (B)

Direct stimulation of muscarinic receptors on gastrointestinal smooth muscle and the detrusor muscle increases motility and promotes urination. Carbachol, the carbamylcholine ester, is a direct cholinergic agonist that activates these receptors, producing enhanced GI peristalsis and bladder contraction. This makes it the agent associated with treating GI atony and urinary retention when a carbamylcholine ester is involved. Pilocarpine is mainly used for glaucoma and salivation, neostigmine raises acetylcholine levels rather than directly stimulating receptors, and bethanechol is another muscarinic agonist for these problems but is not the carbamylcholine ester in question.

Direct stimulation of muscarinic receptors on gastrointestinal smooth muscle and the detrusor muscle increases motility and promotes urination. Carbachol, the carbamylcholine ester, is a direct cholinergic agonist that activates these receptors, producing enhanced GI peristalsis and bladder contraction. This makes it the agent associated with treating GI atony and urinary retention when a carbamylcholine ester is involved. Pilocarpine is mainly used for glaucoma and salivation, neostigmine raises acetylcholine levels rather than directly stimulating receptors, and bethanechol is another muscarinic agonist for these problems but is not the carbamylcholine ester in question.