Indicated for: bradycardia; antidote in cholinergic poisoning
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: atropine (mydriatic)
ATC: A03BA01 (Alimentary tract and metabolism | Belladonna and derivatives, plain | Belladonna alkaloids, tertiary amines)
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used for various medical purposes, including the treatment of cardiac, ophthalmologic, and gastrointestinal conditions. It works by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to smooth muscle relaxation, increased heart rate, and reduced secretions.
It is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), poisoning with organophosphates or other cholinergic substances, to dilate the pupil for ophthalmic diagnostic purposes, and to reduce gastrointestinal spasms.
Atropine is administered as intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections, and it is also available as ophthalmic drops.
Side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia, and, in rare cases, confusion or hallucinations. It is contraindicated in patients with closed-angle glaucoma, severe prostatic hypertrophy, or gastrointestinal obstructions.