Pharmacology patterns

SLUDGE

Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal upset, Emesis

The pattern of effects associated with excessive cholinergic activity. Longer variants add M for miosis and muscle weakness (SLUDGEM) or take the form DUMBELS.

What each letter stands for

  1. 1 Salivation.
  2. 2 Lacrimation — tearing.
  3. 3 Urination.
  4. 4 Defecation.
  5. 5 Gastrointestinal upset.
  6. 6 Emesis — vomiting.

How it gets tested

Appears in pharmacology as a pattern-recognition item, usually paired with its opposite: anticholinergic effects, which are taught as dry mouth, dry eyes and retention.

Related terms

MUDPILES

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