Pharmacological Classification of Cholinergic Drugs

Cholinergic drugs are classified into direct-acting agonists (e.g., bethanechol, nicotine) that activate receptors directly, indirect-acting agonists (e.g., neostigmine, organophosphates) that inhibit acetylcholinesterase to increase acetylcholine, and anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, curare) that block cholinergic receptors. Each type has distinct uses and side effects.