arecoline

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

arecoline acts as a central nervous system stimulant, leading to increased alertness and wakefulness. It stimulates cholinergic receptors in the body, leading to various effects, including increased salivation, sweating, and gastrointestinal motility.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

None

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

None  

Caution: 

• People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should take caution. 
• Individuals with a history of anxiety and panic disorders should take caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

arecoline has stimulant properties and can lead to increased alertness and wakefulness. It can lead to an increase in heart rate and changes in blood pressure. It may have psychoactive effects, including mild euphoria, increased mood, and heightened cognitive function. 

Pharmacodynamics 

arecoline strongly stimulates muscarinic receptors in the salivary glands, leading to increased salivation.  

It can enhance gastrointestinal motility and stimulate gastric secretions. It can lead to increased movement of food and contents through the digestive tract. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Limited information available on ADME. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

arecoline, an alkaloid primarily found in the areca nut, is administered through the chewing of betel nut. 

Betel nut is the seed of the Areca catechu palm tree. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: arecoline 

Why do we use arecoline? 

arecoline has stimulant properties and can increase alertness and weakness.  

arecoline can enhance gastrointestinal motility and stimulate gastric secretions.