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Atropine

Generic Name
Atropine
Brand Names
Atnaa, Atropen, Busulfex, Donnatal, Duodote, Enlon-plus, Isopto Atropine, Lomotil, Minims Atropine Sulphate, Motofen, Phenohytro
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C17H23NO3
CAS Number
51-55-8
Unique Ingredient Identifier
7C0697DR9I

Overview

Atropine is an alkaloid originally synthesized from Atropa belladonna. It is a racemic mixture of d-and l-hyoscyamine, of which only l-hyoscyamine is pharmacologically active. Atropine is generally available as a sulfate salt and can be administered by intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, endotracheal and ophthalmic methods. Oral atropine is only available in combination products. Atropine is a competitive, reversible antagonist of muscarinic receptors that blocks the effects of acetylcholine and other choline esters. It has a variety of therapeutic applications, including pupil dilation and the treatment of anticholinergic poisoning and symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of reversible causes. Atropine is a relatively inexpensive drug and is included in the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines.

Indication

The intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraosseous and endotracheal use of atropine is indicated for the temporary blockade of severe or life-threatening muscarinic effects. The intramuscular use of atropine in the form of a pen injector is indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adult and pediatric patients. The ophthalmic use of atropine is indicated for mydriasis, cycloplegia, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of amblyopia. In combination with difenoxin or diphenoxylate (tablets for oral use), atropine is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the management of acute nonspecific diarrhea.

Associated Conditions

  • Amblyopia
  • Atrioventricular Heart-block
  • Bradycardia
  • Bronchospasm
  • Crying
  • Detrusor Hyperreflexia
  • Excessive bronchial secretion
  • Hypertonic uterine contraction
  • Hypertonicity of the small intestine
  • Ocular Inflammation
  • Parkinsonism
  • Peptic Ulcer
  • Poisoning by parasympathomimetics (cholinergics)
  • Poisoning caused by mushrooms
  • Poisoning caused by organophosphate anticholinesterase nerve agents
  • Poisoning caused by organophosphorus pesticides
  • Pylorospasm
  • Rhinorrhoea
  • Sinus Bradycardia
  • Spasms
  • Toxic effect of organophosphate and carbamate
  • Hypermobility of the colon
  • Laughing
  • Life-threatening muscarinic side effects
  • Muscarinic side effects
  • Severe muscarinic side effects

Research Report

Published: Jul 28, 2025

Atropine (DB00572): A Comprehensive Pharmacological and Clinical Monograph

Section 1: Introduction and Chemical Profile

1.1 Overview and Historical Context

Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and a potent, non-selective anticholinergic agent that functions as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. It is classified as a small molecule drug with the DrugBank ID DB00572.[1] As a cornerstone of modern pharmacology, its applications span numerous medical specialties, including emergency medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology, and ophthalmology.[2] Its profound importance in global health is underscored by its inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) List of Essential Medicines, a compilation of the most efficacious, safe, and cost-effective medications required for a basic health system.[1]

The history of Atropine is a compelling narrative that traces the journey of a natural product from ancient folk remedy to a scientifically validated and indispensable therapeutic agent. The physiological effects of plants containing Atropine have been recognized for millennia. As far back as the last century B.C., Cleopatra reportedly used extracts from the Egyptian henbane plant, which contains tropane alkaloids, to dilate her pupils for cosmetic allure.[4] This practice continued into the Renaissance, when women used the juice from the berries of the

Atropa belladonna plant for the same purpose. This cosmetic application gave the plant its name, which translates to "beautiful lady" in Italian.[4]

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2021/10/25
N/A
UNKNOWN
Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital
2021/09/30
Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
2021/08/16
Phase 4
UNKNOWN
Aya Sabry Mohamed Mohamed
2021/05/26
Not Applicable
Suspended
2021/03/02
Not Applicable
UNKNOWN
University Hospital, Linkoeping
2021/01/07
Not Applicable
Recruiting
2020/11/24
Phase 4
Recruiting
2020/11/12
Not Applicable
Completed
2020/08/10
Not Applicable
Completed
Jun Xiao
2020/05/19
Phase 2
Not yet recruiting
Amani Hassan Abdel-Wahab

FDA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Akorn
76478-015
OPHTHALMIC
10 mg in 1 mL
5/2/2022
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
68071-4063
ORAL
0.025 mg in 1 1
5/2/2023
ProPharma Distribution
84549-580
INTRAMUSCULAR, SUBCUTANEOUS, INTRAVENOUS, ENDOTRACHEAL, INTRAMEDULLARY
0.4 mg in 1 mL
6/23/2025
MWI
13985-606
OPHTHALMIC
10 mg in 1 mL
3/23/2015
RedPharm Drug, Inc.
67296-1675
ORAL
0.025 mg in 1 1
1/1/2019
HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst
51662-1527
INTRAVENOUS
0.1 mg in 1 mL
1/22/2024
Henry Schein, Inc.
0404-9989
INTRAVENOUS
1 mg in 1 mL
9/5/2023
Winder Laboratories LLC
75826-127
ORAL
0.0194 mg in 5 mL
10/10/2019
Carilion Materials Management
68151-0607
ORAL
0.0194 mg in 1 1
12/3/2013
A-S Medication Solutions
50090-6295
OPHTHALMIC
10 mg in 1 mL
5/2/2022

EMA Drug Approvals

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Health Canada Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
DIN
Dosage Form
Strength
Market Date
R.O.-ATROPINE
richmond pharmaceuticals inc.
01901311
Liquid - Ophthalmic
1 %
12/31/1992
MINIMS ATROPINE SULPHATE
bausch & lomb inc
02148358
Drops - Ophthalmic
1 % / W/V
12/31/1995
DONNATAL EXTENTABS
ayerst laboratories
01909274
Tablet (Extended-Release) - Oral
0.0582 MG
12/31/1991

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

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Status
No CIMA AEMPS (Spain) approvals found for this drug.

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UK EMC Drug Information

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