- parasympathomimetic
- Relating to drugs or chemicals having an action resembling that caused by stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. SEE ALSO: cholinomimetic. [para- + G. sympatheia, sympathy, + mimetikos, imitative]
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para·sym·pa·tho·mi·met·ic .par-ə-.sim-pə-(.)thō-mī-'met-ik, -mə- adj simulating parasympathetic nervous action in physiological effect compare SYMPATHOMIMETICparasympathomimetic n a parasympathomimetic agent (as a drug)* * *
n.a drug that has the effect of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. The actions of parasympathomimetic drugs are cholinergic (resembling those of acetylcholine) and include stimulation of skeletal muscle, vasodilatation, depression of heart rate, increasing the tension of smooth muscle, increasing secretions (such as saliva), and constricting the pupil of the eye. They are used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (see anticholinesterase), glaucoma (see miotic), and urinary retention (e.g. carbachol, bethanechol).* * *
para·sym·pa·tho·mi·met·ic (par″ə-sim″pə-tho-mĭ-metґik) [parasympathetic + -mimetic] 1. producing effects resembling those of stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve supply to a part. 2. cholinergic (def. 2).
Medical dictionary. 2011.