Atropine is a medication used to treat various medical conditions, including as an antidote for certain types of poisoning. Atropine is a tropane alkaloid derived from the deadly nightshade plant, Atropa belladonna. It is a medication that primarily acts as an anticholinergic agent. Atropine is used for several medical purposes, including:

·         Dilation of Pupils: Atropine is used by ophthalmologists to dilate the pupils of the eye, which allows for better examination and treatment of eye conditions.

·         Bradycardia Treatment: In the field of cardiology, atropine can be used to increase heart rate in cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate).

·         Treatment of Organophosphate Poisoning: Atropine is used as an antidote to treat poisoning caused by certain pesticides and nerve agents, such as sarin.

·         Smooth Muscle Relaxation: Atropine can be used to relax smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, which can be helpful in certain medical situations.

Image credit: Flobbadob, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons & Joan Simon from Barcelona, España, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons