Medicines
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Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Provocholine
Methacholine is a synthetic choline ester that acts as a muscarinic receptor agonist. It is used primarily in diagnostic testing for bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark of asthma. Methacholine's action mimics the effects of acetylcholine, stimulating smooth muscle contraction in the airways. This effect is used to assess airway reactivity and aid in the diagnosis of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Used in diagnosing bronchial hyperresponsiveness, particularly in asthma.
Outcome:
Increased bronchoconstriction
Mechanism:
Additive effects on airway smooth muscle
Outcome:
Enhanced vagal tone and bronchoconstriction
Mechanism:
Anticholinergic properties may potentiate methacholine
Outcome:
May slightly reduce airway reactivity
Mechanism:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Most likely new formulation: Improved delivery devices for inhalation (Year: 2026, 30% confidence)
Based on historical usage patterns and current research activity, there is a low probability of a change in regulatory status for methacholine in the next 5 years (<5% likelihood).
Cholinergic Agonist, Muscarinic Agonist
Choline Ester