Atropine
Atropine
Atropine (/ˈætrəpiːn/ AT-rə-peen) is a medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate and to decrease saliva production during surgery. It is typically given intravenously or by injection into a muscle.
Etymology
The name "atropine" derives from Atropa belladonna, the belladonna plant from which atropine was first derived. The genus name "Atropa" comes from Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology, and "belladonna" is derived from Italian for "beautiful lady".
Pharmacology
Atropine is a competitive antagonist for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. It is classified as an anticholinergic drug and is used in the treatment of bradycardia, bronchospasm, and peptic ulcer disease, among other conditions.
Side Effects
Common side effects of atropine include dry mouth, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, lack of sweating, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, and potentially serious effects such as confusion, hallucinations, and problems with urination.
Related Terms
- Anticholinergic: A substance that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system.
- Bradycardia: A slower than normal heart rate.
- Bronchospasm: A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles.
- Peptic ulcer: A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atropine
- Wikipedia's article - Atropine
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