What drug acts as a strong agonist for muscarinic receptors specifically in the bladder and gastrointestinal tract?

Bethanechol is a strong agonist for muscarinic receptors, particularly in the bladder and gastrointestinal tract, making it effective for conditions related to urinary retention and gastrointestinal motility issues. It specifically stimulates the detrusor muscle of the bladder, promoting urination, and enhances gastrointestinal motility by acting on muscarinic receptors in the gut.

This selective action is due to its structural properties, which allow it to bind effectively to the muscarinic receptors without significant effects on nicotinic receptors. As a result, Bethanechol can facilitate bladder contractions and improve intestinal movement without causing major side effects typical of non-selective agonists.

Understanding this pharmacological specificity is essential, especially in clinical settings where precise effects on the bladder and gastrointestinal tract are desired.