VPT 311: General and Systemic Veterinary Pharmacology (2+1)

Parasympatholytics

SPASMOLYTICS

• Parasympatholytics such as atropine have been used as a bronchodilator in chronic emphysema in horses.
• The rationale is that atropine overcomes the muscarinic cholinoceptor-mediated bronchoconstriction. The effect is dilation of the larger airways
• Atropine derivatives e.g. eucatropine, have also long been used in paediatric preparations for whooping cough.
• As the sulphate, atropine is routinely injected preoperatively to reduce or eliminate salivary and bronchial secretions during anesthesia.
• The dose by subcutaneous injection is 30-100 m g / kg.
• Ipratropium a muscarinic – blocking bronchodilator, is used as an aerosol.
• The reduction in volume, higher viscosity of secretions and decreased mucociliary clearance, can be a disadvantage.