Homatropine methylbromide

Homatropine methylbromide (pronunciation: ho-MAT-ro-peen METH-il-BRO-mide) is a type of medicine used primarily as an antimuscarinic agent. It is a quaternary ammonium compound and a bromide salt of homatropine.

Etymology

The term "Homatropine" is derived from the Greek words "homo" meaning "same" and "atropine", a type of alkaloid found in the deadly nightshade plant. The "methylbromide" part of the name refers to the bromide salt of the compound.

Usage

Homatropine methylbromide is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, ophthalmology, and in combination with other drugs for pain management. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, slowing the movements of the stomach and intestines.

Related Terms

Antimuscarinic: A type of drug that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system.
Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
Gastrointestinal: Relating to the stomach and the intestines.
Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals across the synaptic cleft.
Smooth muscle: A type of muscle tissue which is used by various systems to apply pressure to vessels and organs.