"Atropine" is a drug with pronounced antispasmodic and anticholinergic effects. The active component of the drug is an alkaloid, obtained from the leaves and seeds of nightshade plants and having toxic properties. The effectiveness of the drug is ensured by its ability to inhibit cholinergic systems in the body, which are located in the heart muscle, as well as in other organs with smooth muscles.
Structure
According to the instructions for use, Atropine is produced in several pharmacological options. It can be purchased as a solution for injection. And also in the form of eye drops.
Instructions for use with Atropine are available in each pack.
Regardless of the form of the drug, the active ingredient is atropine sulfate. In order to obtain the substance necessary for the consistency, physiological saline is added to the active substance.
"Atropine" in the form of a solution for injection is a clear liquid, precipitation during storage is unacceptable. Turbidity of the solution also indicates improper storage conditions of the drug and the need for disposal.
The properties
"Atropine" reduces the intensity of the secretion of glands and allows smooth muscles to relax. The use of the drug in the form of eye drops helps to dilate the pupils and increases the pressure inside the eyes. Atropine provides paralysis of accommodation. Against the background of the use of the drug, acceleration and increased activity of the heart muscle occurs. This effect is due to the ability of the drug to act directly on the vagus nerve. Atropine directly affects the nervous system, activating the respiratory centers. When using large doses of the drug, an increase in mental and motor activity and a state of emotional overexcitation are possible.
As indicated by the instructions for use, "Atropine" is a drug that has an antispasmodic and anticholinolytic effect. Atropine sulfate is actively distributed throughout the body and is excreted by the liver through hydrolysis of enzymes. About 18% of the drug binds to proteins. Atropine is able to cross the placental barrier and pass into breast milk. The elimination half-life of the drug occurs after two hours through the kidneys.
Indications and contraindications for use
In accordance with the instructions for use, Atropine is prescribed in the following cases:
- Lesions of the stomach and duodenal ulcer.
- Cramps localized in the bile ducts.
- Spasms of the respiratory organs.
- Parkinsonism.
- Intoxication with salts of heavy metals.
- Colic in the kidneys.
- Bradycardia
- Colic in the intestines.
- Irritable small intestine disease.
- Spasm of the bronchi.
- Laryngospasm.
In addition, Atropine is used as a preparatory procedure before an X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the preoperative period in the field of ophthalmology.
"Atropine" should be used by patients who do not have contraindications for its use. In old age, it is often necessary to adjust the therapeutic doses of the drug to the minimum values. Thus, it will be possible to avoid the development of undesirable reactions to the use of the drug. It is also recommended to use Atropine with caution in case of kidney or liver failure.
The use of Atropine in pediatric medical practice is allowed. This can be done even by young children, but a doctorโs appointment is required. Caution requires prescribing the drug to children in the newborn period, as well as against the background of a weakened immune system. "Atropine" is able to influence the intensity of secretion of the bronchi, which can lead to the formation of traffic jams. In childhood, it is forbidden to use the composition against the background of severe brain damage, as well as cerebral palsy.
According to the instructions for use, atropine sulfate has the property to penetrate the placental barrier. Studies on the effect of the drug on pregnant women and intrauterine development have not been conducted. For this reason, the solution for intravenous administration is not used during the period of gestation, as there is a high risk of developing tachycardia in the fetus. For the same reasons, the use of Atropine during lactation feeding is not recommended.
An absolute contraindication for the use of the medication is the identified increased sensitivity to the main component.
Instructions for use with Atropine
Only a specialist can determine the dosage and frequency of use of the medication, as well as the duration of use. This is done depending on the indications and individual characteristics of each patient. Failure to comply with the doctor's prescriptions can lead to the development of severe adverse reactions.
Adult patients are prescribed 300 mcg every 4-6 hours. 0.5-1.0 mg of atropine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of bradycardia. If necessary, administration is repeated after 5 minutes. For the purpose of sedation, the drug is administered in a dosage of 400-600 mcg once.
Children's dosage is calculated based on the body weight of the child. For this, 10 ฮผg of atropine per kilogram of body weight is taken.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use with Atropine injections.
During pregnancy, the drug is allowed to be used only as prescribed by the doctor and under its strict control. It is impossible to increase the dosage prescribed by the doctor, and it is also important to monitor the child's vital signs during therapy.
Eye drops
If the doctor does not prescribe a different pattern of instillation of Atropine, the standard one is used: 1-2 drops into the affected eye. The drug is used no more than 3 times a day, the interval between installations should be 5-6 hours. For children, the concentration is 0.5% or lower.
Adverse Reactions and Overdose
According to the instructions for use with Atropine in ampoules, the following adverse reactions are possible against prolonged use of the drug:
1. Constipation.
2. Tachycardia.
3. Dry mouth.
4. Difficult urination.
5. Dizziness.
6. Photosensitivity.
7. Paralysis of accommodation.
8. Mydriasis.
9. Violation of tactile perception.
Instructions for use with Atropine Eye Drops indicate that if this form of the drug is used, adverse reactions may be as follows:
1. Hyperemia.
2. Swelling of the skin on the eyelids.
3. Photosensitivity.
4. Tachycardia.
5. Swelling of the conjunctiva.
Atropine combines well with drugs, and there is no evidence of interaction. The need to combine several drugs must be agreed with the attending physician.
Caution should be exercised when driving a vehicle during treatment with Atropine Eye Drops. The instructions for use confirm this. Due to the dilated pupil, vision is significantly impaired.
Overdose
When using the drug in the dosages indicated in the instructions and prescribed by the doctor, the likelihood of an overdose is minimized. With a significant excess of the recommended dosing regimen, the general well-being of the patient worsens. In addition, in this situation, the likelihood of developing adverse reactions is significantly increased. Quite often, with an overdose, it is recommended to take drugs with a sedative effect. If complications take an acute form, you must consult a doctor.
Analogs
Structural analogues of Atropine, which would include an identical active component, do not exist. However, a number of drugs similar in terms of the rendered effect stand out, namely:
1. "Midriacil."
2. "Cycloptic".
3. Midrimax.
4. "Bellacehol."
5. "Cyclomed."
6. "Hyoscyamine."
7. "Appamide Plus."
Any replacement of one drug with another should occur with the consent of the attending physician.
Reviews
Atropine is a time-tested drug. It is widely used in medical practice, including in the field of ophthalmology. Everyone who checked the fundus of the ophthalmologist came across this tool, since without it this procedure had not been performed before.
However, quite a few patients express the idea that they do not understand why Atropine is needed and for what purpose it is prescribed. There are quite few reviews about it, and many contain information about severe intoxication that arose during treatment with the drug.
Experts warn patients against self-changing the dosage of the drug, as this can lead to undesirable consequences for the whole body. Atropine is a potent drug and is used quite specifically. However, its proper use under the supervision of a physician will undoubtedly benefit the patient's health without causing harm to the patient. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out installations on the eyes or intravenous administration of the drug in a hospital setting.