Atropine Anticholinergics

Pharmacologically active enantiomer of atropine. Anticholinergic. Present in several poisonous plants, including Solenaceae and Datura qv. 

At this writing anticholinergic agents are not widely used for the symptomatic treatment of asthma, although compounds such as atropine [51 -55-8] C17H23NO3, (18) have been used for centuries (111). Inhalation of the smoke produced by burning herbal mixtures, such as Datura Stramonium provided bronchodilation and rehef from some of the symptoms of asthma. The major active component in these preparations was atropine or other closely related alkaloids (qv). 

There is an increased central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect when the skeletal muscle relaxants are administered with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, antihistamines, opiates, and sedatives. There is an additive anticholinergic effect when cyclobenzaprine is administered with other drugs with anticholinergic effects (eg, antihistamines, antidepressants, atropine, haloperidol). See Chapter 30 for information on diazepam. 

Administration of atropine with meperidine (Demerol), flurazepam (Dalmane), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), phenothiazines, and the tricyclic antidepressants may increase the effects of atropine. There is a decreased effectiveness of haloperidol when administered with the anticholinergic dragp. 

Gastrointestinal Anticholinergic Combinations Antrocol Elixir—atropine sulfate, phenobarbital, alcohol Barbidonna—atropine, scopolamine HBr, hyoseyamine sulfate, phenobarbital... 

Anticholinergic treatment (atropine derivatives) may sometimes be indicated, especially in patients with pronounced bradycardia. 

Potential oscillation was measured in the presence of cholinergic agents (acetylcholine chloride, carbamylcholine chloride, carbamyl- d-methylcholine chloride, and acetyl-/6-methylcholine chloride) and anticholinergic agents (tetramethylammonium chloride, tetra-ethylammonium chloride, succinylcholine chloride, hexamethonium chloride, scopolamine hydrobromide, atropine sulfate, homatropine hydrochloride, and tubocurarine chloride)... 

Anticholinergic agents (e.g., antihistamines, atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)... 

Anticholinergic Drugs that block acetylcholine receptors, although the term is used specifically for antagonists at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (anti-muscarinics), like atropine and scopolamine. 

Anticholinergic drugs, such as atropine, block vagal tone and prolong gut transit time. Their value in controlling diarrhea is questionable and limited by side effects. 

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