Atropine

Action: anticholinergic; antspasmodic; antarrhythmic; antidote for cholinergic crisis; antsialagogue (causes xerostomia)

Indication: peptic ulcer; antisialagogue; cardiac arrhythmias; sinus bradycardia; antidote for anticholinesterase, muscarine, or organphosphate pesticide poisoning (cholinergic crisis); ophthalmic use (mydriasis, cycloplegia)

Contraindicated: Hypersensitivity to belladonna alkaloids; narrow angle glaucoma; parotitis; obstructive uropathy; BPH; intestinal atony; paralytic ileus; obstructive diseases of G.I. tract; severe ulcerative colitis; tachycardia; myasthenia gravis

Side effects:

CNS: headache, ataxia, dizziness, irritability, convulsions, confusion, hallucinations, delirium.

Cardiovascular: ventricular tachycardia; palpations; AV dissociation, atrial or ventricular fibrillation.

Eye: mydriasis, blurred vision, photophobia, increased Intra-Ocular Pressure, decreased tear production; conjunctivitis.

Oral and G.I.: dry mouth, thirst, dysphagia, loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, constipation. Urinary: hesitancy and retention, dysuria, impotence. Skin: flushed, dry skin, anhydrosis, rash, urticaria

Category: Pharmacology Notes