La atropina es un fármaco antagonista muscarínico (anticolinérgico) extraído de la belladona y otras plantas de la familia Solanaceae. Es un alcaloide, producto del metabolismo secundario de estas plantas y se ocupa como medicamento con una amplia variedad de efectos. Es un antagonista competitivo del receptor muscarínico de acetilcolina, que contiene en su estructura química grupos entéricos y básicos en la misma proporción que la acetilcolina pero, en lugar de tener un grupo acetilo, posee un grupo aromático voluminoso. Suprime los efectos del sistema nervioso parasimpático (por lo que es un parasimpaticolítico), ya que los receptores muscarínicos se encuentran en los tejidos efectores parasimpáticos. Por eso, su administración afecta el corazón, los ojos, el tubo digestivo, y otras estructuras.

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Atropine is a medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings, some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. It is typically given intravenously or by injection into a muscle. Eye drops are also available which are used to treat uveitis and early amblyopia. The intravenous solution usually begins working within a minute and lasts half an hour to an hour. Large doses may be required to treat poisonings. Common side effects include a dry mouth, large pupils, urinary retention, constipation, and a fast heart rate. It should generally not be used in people with angle closure glaucoma. While there is no evidence that its use during pregnancy causes birth defects, it has not been well studied. It is likely safe during breastfeeding. It is an antimuscarinic (also known as an anticholinergic) that works by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine occurs naturally in a number of plants of the nightshade family including deadly nightshade, Jimson weed, and mandrake. It was first isolated in 1833. Atropine is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication and is not very expensive. A one-milligram vial costs between 0.06 and 0.44 USD, wholesale, in the developing world.

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