Methacholine Chloride

**Definition:** A quaternary ammonium parasympathomimetic agent with the muscarinic actions of ACETYLCHOLINE. It is hydrolyzed by ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE at a considerably slower rate than ACETYLCHOLINE and is more resistant to hydrolysis by nonspecific CHOLINESTERASES so that its actions are more prolonged. It is used as a parasympathomimetic bronchoconstrictor agent and as a diagnostic aid for bronchial asthma. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1116)

**Tree numbers:** - D02.092.877.883.555.500 - D02.675.276.534.500

**Synonyms:** - Acetyl-2-methylcholine Chloride - Acetyl-beta-methacholine Chloride - 2-(Acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium Chloride - Mecholine