What is a significant side effect of anticholinergic agents?

Anticholinergic agents work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in stimulating glandular secretions and regulating various bodily functions. One of the hallmark side effects of these agents is dry mouth, or xerostomia, which occurs due to reduced saliva production. This happens because anticholinergics inhibit the cholinergic pathways that facilitate salivary gland activity, leading to a sensation of dryness in the mouth.

In the context of other options, increased glandular secretions are contrary to the effects of anticholinergic agents, as they actually decrease such secretions. Diarrhea, often associated with increased gastrointestinal motility, is also not typical of anticholinergic use, which generally results in slowed movement through the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to constipation instead. Bradycardia would indicate a reduced heart rate, which is typically associated with cholinergic effects rather than anticholinergic actions, as the latter can actually cause an increase in heart rate due to the blockade of slowing influences from acetylcholine on the heart.

Thus, the significant side effect of anticholinergic agents is indeed dry mouth, as it directly results from their mechanism of action in inhibiting the cholin