Which drug class is associated with mydriasis?

Mydriasis, or the dilation of the pupils, is primarily associated with anticholinergic drugs, which belong to the ACH (acetylcholine) blocker category. This class of drugs works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to various effects including pupil dilation. Anticholinergic drugs reduce the tone of the sphincter pupillae muscle, which results in the pupils becoming larger.

In contrast, other drug classes have different effects on pupil size. Beta blockers generally do not cause significant changes in pupil size, and opioids typically lead to miosis, which is constriction of the pupils. Anticonvulsants can have varied effects depending on the specific medication, but they are not commonly associated with mydriasis.

Understanding the mechanism of drug action is crucial for identifying their physiological effects, including those on the eyes, which is key in forensic and medical assessments.