SOMETHING ABOUT [#ATROPINE]
In general, atropine antagonizes the “rest and digest” activity of glands regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system.
This occurs because atropine is a competitive antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (acetylcholine being the main neurotransmitter used by the parasympathetic nervous system).
Atropine
• dilates the pupils,
• increases heart rate,
• reduces salivation and other secretions.
About its Formulation…
•Atropine is a racemic mixture of d-hyoscyamine and l-hyoscyamine,
–> with most of its physiological effects due to l-hyoscyamine.
•Its pharmacological effects are due to binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
• It is an antimuscarinic agent.
• Significant levels are achieved in the CNS within 30 minutes to 1 hour and disappears rapidly from the blood with a half-life of 2 hours.
• About 60% is excreted unchanged in the urine, most of the rest appears in urine as hydrolysis and conjugation products.
• Effects on the iris and ciliary muscle may persist for longer than 72 hours.