Atropine sulfate

Mechanism of Action: Antimuscarinic; inhibits action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in smooth muscle, CNS, and secretory glands. Increases cardiac output and dries secretions.

Therapeutic Class; antidysrhythmic, anticholinergic parasympatholytic, antimuscarinic

Used:

• Mydriatic
• Antispasmodic
• Bradycardia; low doses
• Tachycardia; higher doses (> 1mg)
• Urine retention
• Antisecretory
• Broncho relaxation; atropine is not used in bronchial asthma.Contraindications: hypersensitivity to belladonna alkaloids, closed-angle glaucoma, GI obstructions, myasthenia gravis, thyrotoxicosis, ulcerative colitis, prostatic hypertrophy, tachycardia/tachydysrhythmias, asthma, acute hemorrhage, severe hepatic disease, myocardial ischemia, paralytic ileus

  Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, involuntary movement, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, bradycardia, blurred vision, photophobia, dry mouth, constipation, pulmonary edema, urinary hesitancy, retention