Definition

1. Noun:
   • A poisonous crystalline alkaloid: A toxic, crystalline substance belonging to the alkaloid class, naturally extracted from plants of the nightshade family (such as belladonna).
   • A medicinal agent: Used pharmacologically for its properties as an antispasmodic (to relieve muscle spasms) and as a mydriatic (to dilate the pupil of the eye). It is also administered in controlled, large doses as an antidote for poisoning by certain nerve agents or insecticides.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor administered atropine to dilate the patient's pupils for the eye examination.
  • Atropine is a critical component in emergency kits for treating organophosphate poisoning.

Advanced Usage

• "Atropine sulfate": The sulfate salt form of atropine, commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations.
  • The injection contained atropine sulfate to counteract the nerve agent's effects.

Variants and Related Words

• Atropinic (adj): Relating to or having the effects of atropine.
  • The patient exhibited atropinic side effects, such as a dry mouth and blurred vision.

Synonyms

• Anticholinergic agent: A broader class of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, which includes atropine.
• Mydriatic: A substance that causes pupil dilation; atropine is a specific type of mydriatic.

Noun

1. a poisonous crystalline alkaloid extracted from the nightshade family; used as an antispasmodic and to dilate the eye pupil; also administered in large amounts as an antidote for organophosphate nerve agents or organophosphate insecticides