Anesthetics belladonna

Belladonna alkaloids have an extremely broad pharmacological spectrum. In addition to their ability to block M-receptors, atropine and scopolamine also act on other receptors, thus showing corresponding effects. They can only block nicotinic cholinergic receptors, however, in significantly larger doses than those used in clinics. Atropine also exhibits properties of local anesthetics and histamine (Hj) receptor blockers. Atropine and... 

Toxicants may have three effects on pulse rate bradycardia (decreased rate), tachycardia (increased rate), and arrhythmia (irregular pulse). Alcohols may cause either bradycardia or tachycardia. Amphetamines, belladonna alkaloids, cocaine, and tricyclic antidepressants (see imi-primine hydrochloride in Figure 6.12) may cause either tachycardia or arrhythmia. Toxic doses of digitalis may result in bradycardia or arrhythmia. The pulse rate is decreased by toxic exposure to carbamates, organophosphates, local anesthetics, barbiturates, clonidine, muscaric mushroom toxins, and opiates. In addition to the substances mentioned above, those that cause arrhythmia are arsenic, caffeine, belladonna alkaloids, phenothizine, theophylline, and some kinds of solvents. 

The belladonna alkaloids are much more toxic than the indoles and phenethylamines. Furthermore, they are just plain dangerous, and the experiences they give are, at best, difficult to integrate with ordinary consciousness. Kava-kava seems to me more like alcohol than like the psychedelics, as does nitrous oxide, a general anesthetic with similar depressant qualities. PCP and ketamine are pharmacological curiosities, not related to other recreational drugs. Many users like the "dissociative" states they provide, but few find them truly psychedelic. Their toxicity and abuse potential are significant. 

Belladonna-like Substances (more deliriant), 385 Yohimbe (more speedy), 388 Kava-Kava (more inebriant), 388 Ketamine (more anesthetic), 392 Nitrous Oxide (more ineffable), 395... 

In 1978 Tranderm Scop was the first transdermal patch to receive FDA approval. Scopolamine, the active ingredient, is a belladonna alkaloid that is frequently used to treat motion sickness and nausea resulting from anesthetics and analgesics. Transderm Scop is a membrane-moderated patch that has a three-day life span. It has a circular shape with an area (2.5 cm2) approximately the size of a quarter [26]. 

Atropa belladonna L. (Solanaceae) is a perennial herb native to Europe and West Asia. The plant contains tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which are used as spasmolytics and anesthetics. 

Two well-known alkaloids, cocaine (3.11) and atropine (3.12), are ester derivatives of the 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system. Cocaine, isolated from a variety of the poppy plant, has been used as a topical anesthetic, but it is highly addictive if it enters the bloodstream and is now a controlled substance. Atropine, however, is highly useful in medicine with anticholinergic properties. It is isolated from the Belladonna plant and has been used for many years to dilate the pupil of the eye. It is also an effective antidote to poisoning by anticholinesterase chemicals, when these are used as insecticides or in extremely toxic form as chemical warfare agents. 

Several alkaloids are used in medicine. Quinine, obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree, has been used in the treatment of malaria since the 1600s. Atropine from nightshade (belladonna) is used in low concentrations to accelerate slow heart rates and as an anesthetic for eye examinations. 

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