The advancement of modern medicine has allowed scientists to use nature, specifically plants, in our favor to cure a large number of diseases or clinical conditions .
In this sense, atropine is a substance extracted from Atropa belladonna or nightshade , but what is its use?
In the following article we will discuss the usefulness of this drug , as well as how it works, indications, contraindications and possible adverse effects.
What is atropine?
Atropine is an antimuscarinic alkaloid, that is, a drug that binds to muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system . In this sense, it reduces the action of acetylcholine , its neurotransmitter par excellence. (1)
Note: Atropine sulfate comes in 1 mg/1 mL or 0.5 mg/1 mL ampoules with intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes of administration.
It should be noted that the dose of atropine is small and should be used with caution, since inhibition of the parasympathetic involves certain risks .
What is atropine used for?
Broadly speaking, the parasympathetic system prepares the body for a state of relaxation. In this sense, atropine can counteract this phenomenon , making it useful, from a therapeutic point of view, in the following conditions:
1. Pre-anesthesia
General anesthesia slows the heart rate. By administering atropine as a preanesthetic medication, the risk of the heart rate continuing to drop due to vagus nerve stimulation is decreased.
To highlight: The dose of atropine in adults for cases of pre-anesthesia is 0.3-0.6 mg and in children it is 0.02 mg/kg. (two)
2. Bradycardia and AV block
Bradycardia is a heart rate below the lower limit, and AV block is a disruption of the heart ‘s electrical activity .
You should know: Atropine reverses these effects by acting on cardiac muscarinic receptors , with an adult dose of 0.5 mg – 1 mg.
3. Renal and hepatic colic and irritable bowel syndrome
Unlike what occurs in the heart, muscarinic receptors stimulate the smooth muscle of the small and large intestine, causing increased peristaltic activity and painful contractions , especially in diseases such as colitis .
Note: To relieve pain and decrease muscle tone, atropine is used in adult doses of 0.4 to 0.6 mg , parenterally or subcutaneously at 4 to 6 hour intervals.
4. Poisoning by insecticides
Anticholinesterase insecticides such as carbamates, inhibit acetylcholinesterase (enzyme responsible for inactivating acetylcholine). In this sense, the aim is to reverse these toxic effects by administering atropine , with a subsequent improvement in signs and symptoms. (3)
atropine side effects
Generally, the adverse reactions of atropine depend on the dose administered and tend to be infrequent, in addition to disappearing when the administration of the drug is discontinued. However, among the possible side effects we have:
- Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and blurred vision.
- Dry mouth due to decreased salivary secretions.
- Tachycardia.
- Redness of the skin.
- Agitation and delirium .
Important: If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms or any other not on the list, immediately stop using the medication and contact your treating doctor for more information.
contraindications of atropine
Despite its usefulness, the muscarinic blockade caused by atropine can generate unwanted side effects, which can be life-threatening for some people under particular conditions. Next, we will mention the main contraindications of atropine:
- Hypersensitivity to atropine.
- Glaucoma.
- Heart failure.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Take extreme care in patients with urinary retention , intestinal paralysis or brain injuries.
To highlight: The doctor should be informed about the health conditions that are suffered , thus avoiding unwanted reactions and to receive more information on therapeutic alternatives.
Key Findings
- Atropine is an antimuscarinic medication, used to stop discharges from the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Atropine comes in presentations of 1 mg/1 ml or 0.5 mg/1 ml ampoules, by parenteral or subcutaneous route of administration .
- Adverse effects of atropine are related to the effect of muscarinic blockade , such as tachycardia or agitation.
- Atropine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity , neuromuscular disorders, or brain lesions.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.