what are cholinergic drugs?. write structures, chemical names and uses of acetyl ccholine and neostigmine

Cholinergic drugs are medications that produce the same effects as the parasympathetic nervous system. They are also known as parasympathomimetic drugs because they mimic the effects of acetylcholine, a type of neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system.

1. Acetylcholine:

• Chemical Structure: Acetylcholine is composed of an acetyl group (CH3CO) and a choline group (C5H14NO+). The acetyl group is attached to the choline group via an ester linkage.
• Chemical Name: Ethanaminium, 2-(acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-
• Uses: Acetylcholine is not used as a drug because it is rapidly broken down by acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme in the body. However, it is a crucial neurotransmitter in the body and plays a key role in muscle movement, heart rate, digestion, and other bodily functions.

2. Neostigmine:

• Chemical Structure: Neostigmine is composed of a carbamate group (NHCOO) and a dimethylamino group (N(CH3)2). The carbamate group is attached to the dimethylamino group via an ester linkage.
• Chemical Name: (m-hydroxyphenyl) trimethylammonium dimethylcarbamate
• Uses: Neostigmine is used to improve muscle strength in patients with a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), to reverse the effects of certain muscle-relaxing drugs used during surgery, and to treat certain types of bowel and bladder problems.

Please note that the chemical structures are complex and cannot be drawn out in text. For a visual representation, please refer to a chemistry textbook or online resource.