Why would you give a patient anticholinergics for diverticulitis?

Question

They are usually constipated??? Major side effect of anticholinergics is constipation

Answer 1

There are many topics here; not sure which 1 pertains to u so heres the link...

http://www.google.com/search?q=+antichol...

Good Luck! =)

Answer 2

Yes, anticholinergics are sometimes used to treat diverticulitis.  Note I said diverticulitis and not its symptoms (constipation). Diverticula are herniations of the mucosa and submucosa or the entire wall thickness through the muscularis.  In order for them to heal, it may be necessary to slow gastric secretions and motility.  While ileus is a potential adverse event, anticholinergics and antibiotics may be needed to help heal the damage.