How does atropine work? Atropine competitively blocks the effects of acetylcholine, including excess acetylcholine due to organophosphorus poisoning, at muscarinic cholinergic receptors on smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, secretory gland cells, and in peripheral autonomic ganglia
How does atropine work?
Atropine competitively blocks the effects of acetylcholine, including excess acetylcholine due to organophosphorus poisoning, at muscarinic cholinergic receptors on smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, secretory gland cells, and in peripheral autonomic ganglia and the central nervous system.
What is a side effect of atropine?
Excess doses of atropine sulfate may cause side effects such as palpitations, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, hot dry skin, thirst, dizziness, restlessness, tremor, fatigue, and problems with coordination.
Where is atropine found naturally?
belladonna
atropine, poisonous crystalline substance belonging to a class of compounds known as alkaloids and used in medicine. Atropine occurs naturally in belladonna (Atropa belladonna), from which the crystalline compound was first prepared in 1831.
Why is atropine deadly?
The foliage and berries are extremely toxic when ingested, containing tropane alkaloids. These toxins include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which cause delirium and hallucinations, and are also used as pharmaceutical anticholinergics.
Does atropine make you sleepy?
This medicine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or make your eyes sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses while you are using this medicine. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not drive until your pupils are no longer dilated.
What does atropine come from?
Atropine and the genus name for deadly nightshade derive from Atropos, one of the three Fates who, according to Greek mythology, chose how a person was to die. Atropine is found in many members of the Solanaceae family. The most commonly found sources are Atropa belladonna, Datura inoxia, D. metel, and D.
What does atropine do to the body?
Atropine reduces secretions in the mouth and respiratory passages, relieves the constriction and spasm of the respiratory passages, and may reduce the paralysis of respiration that results from toxic nerve agents which increase anticholinesterase activity in the central nervous system.
What’s atropine used for?
Atropine is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of low heart rate (bradycardia), reduce salivation and bronchial secretions before surgery or as an antidote for overdose of cholinergic drugs or mushroom poisoning. Atropine may be used alone or with other medications.
What is atropine prescribed for?
Ophthalmic atropine is used before eye examinations to dilate (open) the pupil, the black part of the eye through which you see. It is also used to relieve pain caused by swelling and inflammation of the eye.