History:


Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication with a long history dating back to at least the fourth century B.C. when it was used for wounds, gout, and sleeplessness ¹. Here are some notable events in its history ² ³ ⁴:

  • 1809: Atropine was discovered by Vacquelin.
  • 1831: Atropine was isolated by Mein.
  • 1831: The crystalline compound was first prepared from belladonna (Atropa belladonna).
  • 1850s: Atropine was used as an antispasmodic in asthma treatment and as a morphine antidote for its mydriatic effect.
  • 1867: Bezold and Bloebaum showed that atropine blocked the effects of vagal stimulation on the heart.
  • 1872: Heidenhain found its ability to prevent salivary secretion.
  • 1906: Langley studied the actions of nicotine and curare on chicken and frog muscles.
  • 1940: Jenkinson identified tubocurarine as a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine.

Atropine is used for various medical purposes, including:
  1. Anticholinergic effects:
    • Relieving spasms in the stomach, intestines, and bladder
    • Reducing excess saliva, sweat, and mucus production
  2. Ophthalmology:
    • Dilating pupils for eye exams or surgeries
    • Treating conditions like uveitis, iritis, and cyclitis
  3. Cardiology:
    • Increasing heart rate in bradycardia (slow heart rate)
    • Treating atrioventricular block (heart rhythm disorder)
  4. Respiratory:
    • Relieving bronchospasms in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  5. Gastrointestinal:
    • Treating diverticulitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  6. Neurology:
    • Treating Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and certain types of tremors
  7. Anesthesia:
    • Preparing patients for anesthesia to reduce salivation and bronchial secretions
  8. Poisoning and overdose:
    • Treating certain types of poisoning, such as organophosphate or muscarinic poisoning
  9. Other uses:
    • Treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
    • Relieving symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
Atropine is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, injections, ointments, and eye drops. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper use and dosage instructions.


Atropine USe:
Atropine is used for various medical purposes, including:
  1. Anticholinergic effects:
    • Relieving spasms in the stomach, intestines, and bladder
    • Reducing excess saliva, sweat, and mucus production
  2. Ophthalmology:
    • Dilating pupils for eye exams or surgeries
    • Treating conditions like uveitis, iritis, and cyclitis
  3. Cardiology:
    • Increasing heart rate in bradycardia (slow heart rate)
    • Treating atrioventricular block (heart rhythm disorder)
  4. Respiratory:
    • Relieving bronchospasms in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  5. Gastrointestinal:
    • Treating diverticulitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  6. Neurology:
    • Treating Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and certain types of tremors
  7. Anesthesia:
    • Preparing patients for anesthesia to reduce salivation and bronchial secretions
  8. Poisoning and overdose:
    • Treating certain types of poisoning, such as organophosphate or muscarinic poisoning
  9. Other uses:
    • Treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
    • Relieving symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
Atropine is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, injections, ointments, and eye drops. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper use and dosage instructions.


Atropine USe in the Side Effect:
Atropine can cause several side effects, including:
Common side effects:
  1. Dry mouth
  2. Flushed skin
  3. Increased heart rate
  4. Constipation
  5. Nausea and vomiting
  6. Headache
  7. Dizziness or lightheadedness
  8. Blurred vision
  9. Difficulty urinating
  10. Confusion or hallucinations
Less common side effects:
  1. Allergic reactions (e.g., hives, itching)
  2. Seizures (rare)
  3. High blood pressure
  4. Heart failure
  5. Narrow-angle glaucoma
  6. Urinary retention
  7. Angina pectoris (chest pain)
  8. Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
  9. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
  10. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Rare but serious side effects:
  1. Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
  2. Cardiac arrest
  3. Respiratory failure
  4. Cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
  5. Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs)
If you experience any side effects, seek medical attention immediately. Atropine can be habit-forming, so use it only as directed and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.