Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine
Published on: July 7, 2016
Therapeutic review. Cardiac effects of atropine in man: an update
1UND School of Medicine, Fargo 58102.
Abstract:
The use of atropine in cardiovascular disorders is mainly in the management of patients with bradycardia. Atropine increases the heart rate and improves the atrioventricular conduction by blocking the parasympathetic influences on the heart. Recent observations that atropine in low doses results in paradoxical effects at the sinoatrial node (vagotonic) and the atrioventricular node (vagolytic) have lead to a concern for its safety in patients with acute myocardial infarction and bradycardia. This review discusses the basic cardiovascular pharmacology of the atropine, explores the mechanisms responsible for its paradoxical effects and discusses the clinical implications of these observations.
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

