Atropine

Is a medicine which is used in general anaesthesia as a premedication, emergency situations or during surgery to make the heart beat faster and reversing the effects of some medicines or poison.

Origin

Origin

Opthalmic Use
Topical atropine is used as a cycloplegic, to temporary paralyze the the accommodation reflex, and as a mydriatic, to dilate the pupils. Atropine is contraindicated in patients pre-disposed to narrow angle glaucoma. Atropine can be given to patients who have direct globe traucoma.

Resuscitation
Injections of atropine are used in the treatment of bradycardia (an extremely low heart rate).

Atropine was previously included in the International resuscitation guidelines but was removed in 2010 due to the lack of evidence.

Secretions and Bronchoconstriction

Atropines actions on the parasympathetic nervous system inhibit the salivary and mucus glands. It is used in treating hyperhidrosis, and can prevent the death rattle of dying patients. Even though atropine has not been officially indicated for these purposes by the FDA, it had been used by physicians for these purposes.

Side-effects and Overdose

Because of the hallucinogenic properties, some have used the drug recreationally, though this is potentially dangerous and unpleasant Adverse reactions to atropine include blurred vision, loss of balance, dilated pupils, dry mouth, potentially extreme confusion, and dissociative hallucinations. These effects are because atropine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In overdose, atropine is poisonous. It is also sometimes added to potentially addictive drugs.