Which class of cholinergic antagonists lacks therapeutic benefit and is thus not commonly used?

The class of cholinergic antagonists known as ganglionic blockers is recognized for lacking significant therapeutic benefit, which contributes to their infrequent use in clinical practice. Ganglionic blockers work by inhibiting synaptic transmission at autonomic ganglia, affecting both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. However, their indiscriminate action can lead to a wide range of unpredictable side effects, including severe hypotension, urinary retention, and impaired gastrointestinal motility.

These adverse outcomes, coupled with the development of more selective and safer alternatives for managing conditions such as hypertension and other autonomic dysfunctions, have rendered ganglionic blockers largely obsolete in modern therapeutic regimens. Consequently, they are not typically relied upon for treatment purposes and have limited applications compared to the other classes listed.

In contrast, antimuscarinic agents and neuromuscular blockers have defined therapeutic roles in various medical conditions. Antimuscarinics, for instance, are widely used in the treatment of overactive bladder and respiratory conditions, while neuromuscular blockers are essential in surgical anesthesia and intensive care for facilitating intubation and mechanical ventilation. Sympatholytics, while not cholinergic antagonists, have distinct therapeutic benefits in managing hypertension and certain cardiac