Atropine – indications, contraindications and side effects

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Atropine is an organic compound from the group of alkaloids that has been used in medicine, especially in cardiology, anesthesiology and ophthalmology. How does atropine affect the human body? What are the indications and contraindications for the use of atropine? Can the use of atropine cause serious side effects?

What is atropine?

Atropine is a commonly known and naturally occurring tropine alkaloid. Plants in which atropine is present are: nightshade and black henbane. In ancient times, atropine was used for purposes other than today. For example, the ancient Roman women used extracts from the wolf’s berry as facial cosmetics, which caused a healthy blush on their faces. The blushes appeared due to the expansion of blood vessels. Atropine was once used to poison wolves because excessive consumption causes cardiac arrest. Black henbane was used by the ancient Egyptians and Persians who poisoned arrowheads with it.

Atropine and its effect on the body

Atropine has a significant impact on the functioning of the human body because it acts by paralyzing the endings of the parasympathetic nervous system. The following effects of atropine on the human body are listed:

  1. effect on the heart muscle – increases the heart rate and affects the cardiac output. Atropine is less effective in people who suffer from diabetes, neuropathy or uremia;
  2. effects on the respiratory tract – causes relaxation of smooth muscles, enlarges the lumen of the bronchi and reduces the production of mucus;
  3. action on the digestive tract – reduces the muscle tension of the smooth walls of the digestive tract, reduces intestinal peristalsis, reduces the retention of food content in the stomach, has an antiemetic effect;
  4. action on the endocrine glands – inhibits the secretion of sweat, saliva and digestive enzymes;
  5. action on the urinary system – reduces the tension of the smooth muscles of the bladder walls and ureters;
  6. effect on the eyes and eyesight – paralyzes the ciliary muscle, dilates the pupils.

Atropine – indications and contraindications

Atropine, as previously written, acts on many organs and systems of the human being. However, the most important indications for its use are listed, including:

  1. cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
  2. premedication before general anesthesia;
  3. reversing neuromuscular block;
  4. treatment of reflex bradycardia;
  5. excessive secretion and spasm of the bronchi;
  6. gastrointestinal spastic conditions;
  7. radiological diagnostics;
  8. long-term dilatation of the pupils.

Hypersensitivity to this compound is a contraindication to the use of atropine. It should also not be used in cases of glaucoma, gastrointestinal obstruction, reflux disease, and narrowing of the bladder neck.

Atropine – side effects

Atropine can cause side effects even when the recommended doses are not exceeded. The most common symptoms are: increase in intraocular pressure, photophobia, visual impairment, dry mucous membranes, decreased sweat secretion, constipation, urinary retention, gastroesophageal reflux disease, acceleration and heart abnormalities. There may also be drowsiness, anxiety, agitation and depression. Allergic reactions, such as hives, reddening of the skin or an increase in body temperature are not excluded.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.

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