Page 61 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Atropine

It acts as antimuscarinic (A muscarinic receptor antagonist is a type of anticholinergic agent that blocks the
activity of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor).

Injection
1. It is used to treat some poisonings (The definitive treatment for organophosphate
poisoning is atropine, which competes with acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors).
2. In surgery, it is used to lower secretions such as saliva.
3. It is used to treat muscle spasms of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, gallbladder system, or
urinary system. Also, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Eye Drops
It has a mydriatic effect (It enlarges the pupil), which can be useful as it allows a doctor
to examine the eye and allows short medical procedures to be performed and can also be
used to reduce pain felt by patients with some types of eye conditions.

Hyoscine

Acts as antimuscarinics like atropine, but may have more central nervous system effects.
Used for motion sickness.

Side Effects and Warnings

Controlled prescribed doses don’t result in poisoning but large doses will lead to (anticholinergic
toxicity); Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, respiratory arrest, psychosis, disorientation,
hallucinations, seizures, amnesia, coma, may worsen neurological disorders, urinary retention, and
blurred vision, may increase the risk of bleeding.

Interactions:

1. Increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. E.g.
aspirin, anticoagulants, Ginkgo biloba.
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