atropine sulfate

atropine sulfate

an antispasmodic and anticholinergic.

indications It may be prescribed in the treatment of GI hypermotility to decrease the tone of the detrusor muscle of the urinary bladder in urinary tract disorders, for cycloplegic refraction and dilation of the pupil in inflammation of the iris or the uvea, cardiac arrhythmias, and certain kinds of poisoning and as an adjunct to anesthesia.

contraindications GI obstruction, glaucoma, hepatitis, liver or kidney dysfunction, porphyria, or known hypersensitivity to this drug or other anticholinergics prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse reactions are tachycardia, angina, loss of taste, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, blurred vision, and eye pain. Dry mouth and constipation are common effects.

atropine sulfate

(a'tro-pen? ) [ Atrop(a belladonna), a species name+ -ine]

A salt of an alkaloid obtained from belladonna. A parasympatholytic agent, it counteracts the effects of parasympathetic stimulation. It is used primarily to treat potentially life-threatening bradycardias and heart blocks.

See: atropine sulfate poisoning

atropine

an anticholinergic alkaloid occurring in belladonna, hyoscyamus and stramonium. It acts as a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, blocking stimulation of muscles and glands by parasympathetic and cholinergic sympathetic nerves; used as a smooth muscle relaxant, as a preanesthetic to reduce secretions, and as an antidote to organophosphate poisoning. Has been used as a spasmolytic in many cases of gut hypermotility, e.g. equine spasmodic colic. Has the disadvantage of causing prolonged pupillary dilatation.

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atropine challenge test

used in the diagnosis of narcolepsy in dogs; pretreatment with atropine reduces the number of cataleptic attacks with exposure to food.

atropine methobromide

a synthetic muscarinic blocking agent used as a smooth muscle relaxant but less effective against poisoning with organophosphorus insecticides than atropine. Called also methylatropine.

atropine poisoning

severe toxic reaction due to overdosage of atropine. Signs include dilated pupils, absent pupillary light reflex, dry mouth, high heart rate, excitement, muscle tremor. In animals usually results from atropine overdose.

atropine sulfate

the pharmaceutical preparation in common use.