Ganglion blockers

A ganglionic blocker (or ganglioplegic) is a type of medication which inhibits postganglionic transmission, primarily by acting as a nicotinic antagonist.

Because ganglonic blockers block the parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system, the effect of these drugs depend upon the dominant tone in the organ system.

Examples
Examples include hexamethonium, pentolinium, mecamylamine, trimetaphan and pempidine.

Others include:
 * benzohexonium
 * chlorisondamine
 * pentamine

Uses
Ganglionic blockers are used less frequently now than they were in the past, because more selective agents are now available. However, they are still used in some emergency situations, such as aortic dissection.