Test Your Knowledge of Atropine

Questions and Answers

What is atropine?

A steroid hormone

A synthetic opioid

A type of antibiotic

An alkaloid originally synthesized from Atropa belladonna (correct)

What is the mechanism of action of atropine?

It is an agonist of nicotinic receptors

It is a competitive, reversible antagonist of nicotinic receptors

It is a competitive, reversible antagonist of muscarinic receptors (correct)

It is an agonist of muscarinic receptors

What are the therapeutic applications of atropine?

Treatment of anticholinergic poisoning and symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of reversible causes (correct)

Treatment of viral infections

Treatment of bacterial infections

Treatment of fungal infections

What is the effect of small doses of atropine on heart rate and respiration?

Slows heart rate and increases respiratory rate and depth of respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an adequate dose of atropine on reflex vagal cardiac slowing or asystole?

Abolishes it Signup and view all the answers

When can atropine be used to prevent or abolish bradycardia or asystole?

When induced by the injection of choline esters, anticholinesterase agents or other parasympathomimetic drugs Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of high doses of atropine?

Palpitation, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, hot dry skin, thirst, dizziness, restlessness, tremor, fatigue and ataxia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atropine is an alkaloid originally synthesized from Atropa belladonna.
It is a competitive, reversible antagonist of muscarinic receptors that blocks the effects of acetylcholine and other choline esters.
Atropine has a variety of therapeutic applications, including pupil dilation and the treatment of anticholinergic poisoning and symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of reversible causes.
Atropine slows heart rate in small doses and leads to increased respiratory rate and depth of respiration.
At an adequate dose, atropine abolishes different types of reflex vagal cardiac slowing or asystole.
Atropine can be used to prevent or abolish bradycardia or asystole induced by the injection of choline esters, anticholinesterase agents or other parasympathomimetic drugs, and cardiac arrest produced by stimulation of the vagus.
The use of topical atropine in the eye induces mydriasis by inhibiting the contraction of the circular pupillary sphincter muscle normally stimulated by acetylcholine.
High doses of atropine may cause palpitation, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, hot dry skin, thirst, dizziness, restlessness, tremor, fatigue and ataxia.
Toxic doses of atropine lead to restlessness and excitement, hallucinations, delirium and coma.
In case of atropine overdose, supportive treatment should be administered.

Description

How much do you know about the therapeutic applications and effects of Atropine? Test your knowledge with our quiz and learn about the competitive antagonist of muscarinic receptors that is commonly used for pupil dilation and the treatment of anticholinergic poisoning and bradycardia. Discover the various doses and effects of Atropine, from slowing heart rate to inducing mydriasis and potentially causing toxicity. Take the quiz now and become an expert on this alkaloid!