A patient receives a ganglionic blocker. Which of the following effects would NOT be expected?

• A Hypotension
• B Constipation
• C Urinary retention
• D Miosis ✓

Explanation

Ganglionic blockers (e.g., hexamethonium, trimethaphan) block nicotinic receptors at both sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. In the eye, the dominant autonomic tone is parasympathetic, so ganglionic blockade reduces parasympathetic tone to the eye, causing mydriasis rather than miosis. Hypotension results from sympathetic blockade; constipation and urinary retention result from parasympathetic blockade in the GIT and bladder.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.