NURS 3550H Lecture 3: Atropine
Document Summary
Drugs that block activity of the pns. Cardiac slowing: smooth muscle and gland stimulation. Receptors: nicotinic, nn neuronal excitement, nm skeletal muscle contraction. Nicotinic antagonists: neuromuscular blockers (produce paralysis, ganglionic blockers (very limited uses) Prototype atropine (bella donna alkyloid was used to dilate pupils as a sign of beauty) Kinetics - many different routes (eye drops, intramuscular, sublingual, cardiac needle, iv push, patch) Dose- response relationship: all m-receptors not equally sensitive low dose selects receptors in some systems, higher doses required for other tissues, clinically significant. Constipation relaxation, dec secretions, constrict sphincters. Urinary retention relax detrusor; constrict trigone sphincter. Blurred vision / photophobia intolerance to light. Contraindications: acute angle-closure glaucoma - iop (intra ocular pressure) increases. Cautions: pulmonary condition, cardiac conditions, gi conditions, elderly beer"s medication (list of medications that should not be used in the elderly, antihistamines, tca"s. Herbal medications with atropine-like effects: aloe, senna.