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).