The involuntary nervous system is divided into sympathetic (responsible for flight or fight responses) and parasympathetic. Generally speaking, these two kinds of nerves are opposites.
When stimulated, the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac activity. Mydriasis, gastrointestinal hypofunction. The parasympathetic nerves work primarily through a nerve called the vagus nerve, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, stimulating gastrointestinal function, saliva production, and digestion.
Cells contain targets called receptors that are stimulated by chemicals released by nerves. In the parasympathetic nervous system, the chemical transmitter released by the nerves is acetylcholine, and the receptors are called muscarinic receptors.
Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors, thereby inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine and reducing parasympathetic activity of this chemical. Therefore, atropine belongs to the class of antimuscarinic drugs. They are also sometimes called “anticholinergics” or “parasympathetic depressants,” and these terms are also used to describe their effects.
The sympathetic nervous system becomes more prominent when the muscarinic portion of the parasympathetic nervous system is blocked. Atropine is a prescription drug that can only be obtained from or prescribed by a veterinarian.
Formulation of atropine
This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.
Atropine is only known by its generic name. Both human and veterinary formulas are available.
Use of atropine in dogs and cats
1. Atropine is used before surgical anesthesia to reduce drooling and respiratory secretions.
2. Atropine is often used with many anesthetics to prevent slowing of the heart rate.
3. It is also used to treat dangerously slow heart rates and is an important drug in CPR.
4. Atropine is an antidote for some insecticides (such as cholinesterase inhibitors) and mushroom poisoning.
5. Atropine is also used to reduce salivation, vomiting, and nausea.
6. Atropine-like compounds have been used to treat vomiting caused by motion sickness.
7. Atropine-like compounds have been used to treat acute diarrhea in animals.
8. Atropine can also be used to dilate the pupil of the eye. This reduces eye pain and prevents complications from various eye diseases.
9. Atropine antagonizes compounds that constrict the airways and cause coughing. Therefore, atropine and similar compounds can be used in animals that may have difficulty breathing (eg, asthma-like disorders).
Precautions and side effects
1. In general, atropine prescribed by a veterinarian is safe and effective Yes, but the drug can also have side effects in some animals.
2. Atropine should not be used in animals known to be allergic to the drug.
3. It should also not be used if gastrointestinal obstruction or infection is suspected.
4. Do not use atropine if the large intestine is inflamed.
5. Never give atropine to animals diagnosed with glaucoma.
6. Atropine may interact with other drugs. Consult your veterinarian to determine if other medications your pet is receiving may interact with atropine. These drugs include: certain antihistamines, meperidine, diazepam, metoclopramide, and procainamide.
7. Atropine should be used with caution in animals with rapid heart rate or impaired renal, cardiac and hepatic function.
8. Some animals, especially cats, may drool profusely due to the bitter taste of the drug when using the ophthalmic formulation of atropine.
9. Other side effects include: dry mouth, constipation, central nervous system irritation, blurred vision, drowsiness or ataxia (unsteady walking). Additionally, atropine may cause some animals to drink excessive amounts of water due to dry mouth.
Atropine Specifications
1. Atropine is available in a variety of injection concentrations.
2. Atropine is also available in 0.4 mg tablets.
3. Atropine is also available as 1% or 2% ophthalmic preparations.
Atropine Dosage
Note: Always consult a veterinarian before administration.
1. Typical doses of atropine are 0.01 to 0.02 mg per pound of body weight (0.022 to 0.044 mg/kg). Usually, atropine can only be injected.
2. If used as an antidote for some poisonings, a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight (2 mg/kg) may be required.
3. If used to treat eye disease, one drop can be placed in the affected eye every 2 to 24 hours.
4. The duration of the medication depends on the condition of the treatment and the response to the medication. Even if your pet appears to be recovering, be sure to complete the entire course of treatment unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
