Tag: Anticholinergic syndrome

Atropine toxicity, a form of anticholinergic syndrome, can be fatal in children with doses as low as 10 mg or less [1.2.2, 1.5.2]. Understanding 'What are the signs of atropine toxicity?' is crucial for prompt recognition and treatment.

According to a 2024 study in *The Lancet*, drugs with high anticholinergic properties were found to increase core body temperature during heat stress at air temperatures above 30°C. Yes, anticholinergic medications can cause hyperthermia, a dangerous elevation of body temperature that can lead to heatstroke and other serious complications.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, tens of thousands of antihistamine exposures with anticholinergic effects are reported annually, highlighting the prevalence of these drugs. The range of clinical manifestations is broad, making it crucial to understand **what are the side effects of anticholinergic toxicity**.

According to the National Institutes of Health, atropine overdose can lead to severe anticholinergic syndrome, characterized by a range of disruptive symptoms. The key question in managing such cases—what reverses atropine toxicity—points directly to the primary antidote, physostigmine, and a comprehensive strategy of supportive medical care.

According to the CDC, antihistamines were involved in nearly 4% of all U.S. drug overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020, demonstrating that taking too much antihistamine can be harmful and potentially fatal. While common over-the-counter allergy medications are generally safe when used as directed, exceeding the recommended dose can lead to severe toxicity and life-threatening complications.

Case reports show that even standard doses of atropine, particularly via systemic absorption from eye drops, can trigger central anticholinergic syndrome and psychiatric symptoms. This occurs because atropine crosses the blood-brain barrier, explaining precisely how does atropine cause psychosis through its anticholinergic properties.

Physostigmine is a tertiary amine carbamate and a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. This mechanism of action confirms that physostigmine is cholinergic, acting indirectly to increase the concentration of acetylcholine and enhance cholinergic transmission throughout the nervous system.

Datura, also known as jimsonweed or devil's trumpet, is a plant containing potent and highly toxic anticholinergic alkaloids like atropine and scopolamine. Overdose can lead to a range of severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, with the specific antidote for severe anticholinergic effects being physostigmine. However, the approach to managing Datura poisoning is comprehensive and depends heavily on the severity of the patient's condition.

Anticholinergic side effects are associated with hundreds of medications, and awareness is especially important for the elderly, who are more susceptible to these adverse events. It is vital to recognize **what are anticholinergic symptoms** to ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention, avoiding serious complications from medication use.