Master Atropine with Picmonic for Medicine

Atropine is used as an antidote in cholinergic poisoning, or organophosphate poisoning, acting by blocking acetylcholine action at muscarinic receptors. Atropine reverses DUMBBeLSS symptoms, which are diarrhea, urination, miosis, bradycardia, bronchoconstriciton, lacrimation, salivation, and sweating. It should be noted that atropine does not block the CNS excitation (the E in DUMBBELSS), and this is mediated by nicotinic receptors, while atropine blocks muscarinic receptors.

Atropine blocks the action of the vagus nerve, which acts to decrease heart rate in the parasympathetic system of the heart. Thus, it works to increase heart rate in cases of bradycardia. Atropine is also warranted for use in heart block.

This drug has the side effect of skin flushing, which occurs because atropine blocks M-receptors on sweat glands. Resultingly, anhydrosis occurs, leading to hyperthermia. This causes reflex vasodilation in skin (flushing) in order to cool off. The mnemonic "red as a beet" is sometimes used to describe this effect.

As a result of decreased sweating with atropine administration, patients describe increased body temperature. This occurs because atropine blocks M-receptors in sweat glands. The mnemonic "hot as a hare" is often used to describe this side effect.

As this drug decreases parasympathetic secretions, patients can complain of dry mouth. This can be remembered with the mnemonic "dry as a bone."

Cycloplegia, or paralysis of the accomodation reflex, is a possible side effect in patients administered atropine. This takes place because the drug inhibits ciliary contraction, and adequate refraction cannot take place. This can be remembered by the mnemonic "blind as a bat."

As this drug crosses the blood-brain barrier, it can potentially cause disorientation or hallucinations in patients--particularly elderly ones. This can be recalled with the mnemonic "mad as a hatter."

Atropine is used as a mydriatic, as it dilates the pupils and is utilized in ophtalmic procedures. This occurs because the medication blocks acetylcholine's actions on circular pupillary sphincter contraction. Atropine is also used to induce cycloplegia in patients with malignant glaucoma, though it is contraindicated in narrow-angle glaucoma.