Atropine facts for kids
Atropine is a special chemical that comes from certain plants. These plants include the deadly nightshade (which has the scientific name Atropa belladonna) and the mandrake (called Mandragora officinarum). Atropine is mainly used as a medicine, but it can be very dangerous if not used correctly.
The name "Atropine" comes from a character in ancient Greek stories called Atropos. She was one of the three Fates, who decided how people's lives would end. Atropine is so important that the World Health Organization (WHO) lists it as a "Essential Medicine." This means it's a basic and very important medicine needed for good healthcare.
The second part of the plant's Latin name, belladonna, means "pretty woman." This is because Atropine can make the pupils of your eyes (the black centers) get very big. In the Renaissance period, big pupils were thought to be beautiful.
Contents
What is Atropine Used For?
Atropine has several important uses in medicine.
Helping the Heart
One key use for Atropine is to help people whose hearts have stopped beating. Doctors can use it to try and restart the heart during a medical emergency.
As an Antidote
Atropine can also act as an antidote. This means it can help stop the harmful effects of certain poison gases or chemicals found in some insecticides (bug sprays). If someone has been exposed to these harmful substances, Atropine can be given to help them recover.
Eye Drops
Because Atropine makes pupils bigger, it is sometimes used by eye doctors. They might use it in eye drops to widen a patient's pupils. This helps them look inside the eye more easily during an examination.
Images for kids
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An ampoule containing atropine injection 1mL/0.5mg
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Atropa belladonna
See also
In Spanish: Atropina para niños
