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Acetylcholine

Generic Name
Acetylcholine
Brand Names
Miochol
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C7H16NO2
CAS Number
51-84-3
Unique Ingredient Identifier
N9YNS0M02X

Overview

A neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications.

Indication

Used to obtain miosis of the iris in seconds after delivery of the lens in cataract surgery, in penetrating keratoplasty, iridectomy and other anterior segment surgery where rapid miosis may be required.

Associated Conditions

No associated conditions information available.

Research Report

Published: Aug 22, 2025

Acetylcholine (DB03128): A Comprehensive Monograph on its Physiology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Significance

Section 1: Introduction and Historical Perspective

1.1 Overview of Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine (ACh) holds a unique and foundational position in the annals of neuroscience and pharmacology. As the first neurotransmitter to be chemically identified, it serves as the archetypal molecule for understanding chemical communication within the nervous system.[1] It is a primary chemical messenger, a small molecule neurotransmitter that operates ubiquitously throughout both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Its physiological roles are vast and critical, mediating an expansive array of processes that range from the direct control of voluntary muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction to the complex modulation of higher cognitive functions such as memory, learning, attention, and arousal within the brain.[3]

This monograph explores the central paradox of acetylcholine: despite its vital and widespread endogenous functions, its application as a therapeutic agent is exceptionally narrow and specialized. This limitation is a direct consequence of its pharmacokinetic profile, which is perfectly tuned for its role as a transient, local signaling molecule but renders it unsuitable for systemic administration. The very properties that make it an efficient neurotransmitter—specifically, its extremely rapid breakdown by cholinesterases—prevent it from achieving sustained, targeted effects when introduced as an exogenous drug.[1] This report will delve into the multifaceted nature of acetylcholine, examining its history, biochemistry, pharmacology, clinical applications, and role in pathology to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal neurochemical.

1.2 The Discovery of Chemical Neurotransmission: A Paradigm Shift

Continue reading the full research report

FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
No FDA approvals found for this drug.

EMA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Authorization Holder
Status
Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
Approval Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
MIOCHOL-E INTRAOCULAR SOLUTION
SIN09252P
INJECTION
20 mg/2 ml
3/18/1997

NMPA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
No NMPA approvals found for this drug.

PPB Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Registration No.
Company
Licence No.
Strength
Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
ARTG ID
Sponsor
Registration Type
Status
Registration Date
MIOCHOL-E acetylcholine chloride 20mg/2mL powder for solution for intraocular irrigation
118510
Medicine
A
8/31/2005

Health Canada Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
DIN
Dosage Form
Strength
Market Date
MIOGAN PWS 20MG/VIAL
00784826
Powder For Solution - Intraocular
20 MG / VIAL
12/31/1990
MIOCHOL E ACETYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE OPH SOLN
iolab pharmaceuticals
00889334
Powder For Solution - Ophthalmic
10 MG / ML
12/31/1994
MIOCHOL-E
bausch & lomb inc
02133326
Powder For Solution - Ophthalmic
20 MG / VIAL
8/14/1996

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Prescription Type
Status
No CIMA AEMPS (Spain) approvals found for this drug.

Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
License Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Philippines FDA approvals found for this drug.

Saudi SFDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
License Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Saudi SFDA approvals found for this drug.

Malaysia NPRA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Malaysia NPRA approvals found for this drug.

UK EMC Drug Information

Medicine Name
MA Holder
MA Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Active Ingredient
Authorization Date
No UK EMC drug information found for this drug.

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