What are the three classes of cholinergic antagonists?

The three classes of cholinergic antagonists are antimuscarinic agents, ganglionic blockers, and neuromuscular blockers, which aligns with the correct answer.

Antimuscarinic agents inhibit the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to effects such as reduced secretions, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and increased heart rate. These medications are commonly used to treat conditions like overactive bladder and certain types of poisoning.

Ganglionic blockers impede transmission at autonomic ganglia, affecting both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. They are less commonly used today but were historically significant in managing hypertension and other disorders.

Neuromuscular blockers function by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle relaxation and paralysis, which is particularly useful during surgical procedures for facilitating intubation and muscle control.

This classification is important because it reflects how these agents exert their effects by interfering with cholinergic transmission, distinguishing them from other pharmaceutical classes that do not serve the same function.