Which symptom is more characteristic of anticholinergic toxicity than cholinergic toxicity?

Which symptom is more characteristic of anticholinergic toxicity than cholinergic toxicity?

• A. Excessive salivation
• B. Bronchorrhea
• C. Dry skin and dilated pupils
• D. Diarrhea

Answer: (C)

Anticholinergic toxicity arises from blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which suppresses parasympathetic activity. That leads to dry skin and mucous membranes and pupil dilation because secretions decrease and the pupil loses constriction. In contrast, cholinergic toxicity results from excess acetylcholine stimulating those same receptors, producing increased secretions and GI activity—so excessive salivation, bronchorrhea, and diarrhea are classic signs. Therefore, dry skin with dilated pupils best fits anticholinergic toxicity.

Anticholinergic toxicity arises from blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which suppresses parasympathetic activity. That leads to dry skin and mucous membranes and pupil dilation because secretions decrease and the pupil loses constriction. In contrast, cholinergic toxicity results from excess acetylcholine stimulating those same receptors, producing increased secretions and GI activity—so excessive salivation, bronchorrhea, and diarrhea are classic signs. Therefore, dry skin with dilated pupils best fits anticholinergic toxicity.