Which drug is NOT included in the sequence of longest to shortest cycloplegic/mydriatic effects for cholinergic antagonist drugs?

In the context of cycloplegic and mydriatic effects of cholinergic antagonist drugs, pilocarpine is fundamentally different from the other choices listed. Pilocarpine is a direct-acting muscarinic agonist rather than an antagonist, which means it stimulates cholinergic receptors rather than blocking them. As a result, it induces miosis (pupil constriction) instead of producing the dilation or paralysis of accommodation associated with cycloplegic agents.

The other drugs—atropine, scopolamine, and cyclopentolate—are all cholinergic antagonists known for their ability to cause mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and cycloplegia (paralysis of accommodation) and are ranked based on the duration of their effects. Atropine typically has the longest duration, followed by scopolamine and then cyclopentolate, which has a shorter duration of action.

Pilocarpine's distinct mechanism and therapeutic purpose set it apart from the rest, making it the correct answer in this question about the sequence of effects for cholinergic antagonists.