Atropine - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Atropine is a medication derived from plants like belladonna. It blocks certain nerve signals, used to treat slow heart rates, dilate pupils, and reduce saliva production during surgery.
Definition:
A toxic alkaloid used in medicine to dilate pupils and treat certain poisonings.
Synonyms:
belladonna alkaloid, tropine derivative, anticholinergic
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
antidote, neutralizer
Common Collocations:
atropine sulfate, atropine injection, atropine poisoning
Derivatives:
atropinization, atropinic
Usage Tips:
Use "atropine" to refer to the drug or its effects; avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "troponin."
Common Phrases:
atropine overdose, atropine eye drops, atropine-induced dilation
Etymology:
Derived from Greek "Atropos" (one of the Fates), reflecting its deadly nature in high doses.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor administered atropine to counteract the pesticide poisoning.
- 2. Atropine eye drops are used before eye exams to dilate pupils.
- 3. An overdose of atropine can cause severe side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision.
- 4. Farmers should handle pesticides carefully to avoid needing atropine as an antidote.