Applications:

• Pre-Anesthesia: Reduces saliva and respiratory secretions before surgery.

• Bradycardia: Emergency treatment for abnormally slow heart rate.

• Poison Antidote: Countacts organophosphate or nerve agent poisoning.

• Ophthalmic Use: Dilates pupils for eye exams or inflammation treatment.

• GI Disorders: Relieves spasms in irritable bowel (rarely used today).

Side Effects:

• Common: Dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, dizziness.

• Serious:

  • Hallucinations/confusion (high doses)

  • Urinary retention

  • Glaucoma attacks (with eye drops)

  • Dangerous tachycardia (overdose)

Note:

• IV/IM use only in emergencies (hospital/EMS).

• Reverses life-threatening cholinergic toxicity (e.g., pesticide poisoning).

Applications:

• Peptic Ulcers: Reduces gastric acid secretion (adjunct therapy).

• Hyperhidrosis: Controls excessive sweating (off-label).

• GI Spasms: Manages irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis.

• Urinary Incontinence: Treats overactive bladder (less common now).

Side Effects:

• Common: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness.

• Serious (Rare):

  • Urinary retention (risk in prostate enlargement).

  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate).

  • Glaucoma exacerbation (avoid in narrow-angle glaucoma).