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.
Atropine belongs to a class of drugs called Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic Agents.
Atropine acts on the M2 receptors of the heart and antagonizes the activity of acetylcholine.
Atropine causes tachycardia by blocking vagal effects on the sinoatrial node.
Atropine is given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, it causes initial bradycardia by acting on presynaptic M1 receptors and the presynaptic nerve releases more acetylcholine into the synapse that initially causes bradycardia.
fast heartrate,
high pressure in the eye (glaucoma),
abdominal blockage (pyloric obstruction),
worsening urinary retention, and
mucus in your airways (viscid bronchial plugs)
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
The most common side effects of Atropine include:
dry mouth,
blurred vision,
sensitivity to light,
lack of sweating,
dizziness,
nausea,
loss of balance,
hypersensitivity reactions (skin rash), and
rapid heartrate