Atropine Sulfate

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Cat Number

API0233501

CAS Number

55-48-1

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

55-48-1

EINECS

200-235-0

Synonyms

Atropt, NSC-755889, NSC26671

Molecular Formula

C34H50N2O11S

Molecular Weight

694.8

Smiles

C[NH+]1C2CCC1CC(C2)OC(=O)C(CO)C3=CC=CC=C3.C[NH+]1C2CCC1CC(C2)OC(=O)C(CO)C3=CC=CC=C3.O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-]

General Description

Atropine sulfate is a naturally occurring anticholinergic alkaloid isolated from plants of the Solanaceae family, including Atropa belladonna. It is available as an injectable solution for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous use, as well as an ophthalmic solution. It is a prescription medication used for a wide range of indications, from emergency cardiac care to ophthalmology.

Mechanism of Action

Atropine acts as a competitive, reversible antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby blocking the effects of parasympathetic nervous system stimulation. By inhibiting acetylcholine at postganglionic sites, it prevents vagal tone on the heart, leading to an increased heart rate, and relaxes smooth muscle in various organs.

Application

Atropine sulfate is a critical antidote for organophosphate and nerve agent poisoning, where large, repeated doses are used to counteract muscarinic toxicity. In ophthalmology, it is used to induce mydriasis and cycloplegia for refraction and to treat conditions like amblyopia and uveitis. It is also used off-label to slow gastrointestinal motility in combination products for diarrhea.

Yam JC, et al. evaluated whether low-concentration atropine eyedrops prevent the onset of myopia in 474 nonmyopic children aged 4 to 9 years. Participants received nightly 0.05% atropine, 0.01% atropine, or placebo for 2 years. The 2-year cumulative incidence of myopia was significantly lower with 0.05% atropine (28.4%) compared to placebo (53.0%) and 0.01% atropine (45.9%). Similarly, the percentage of participants experiencing rapid myopic shift (≥1.00 D) was significantly reduced with 0.05% atropine (25.0%) versus placebo (53.9%) and 0.01% atropine (45.1%).

Fig. 1 Time to myopia onset by treatment group (Yam JC, et al., 2023)

References

Yam JC, et al. Effect of Low-Concentration Atropine Eyedrops vs Placebo on Myopia Incidence in Children: The LAMP2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;329(6):472-481.

Does Atropine Sulfate require protection from light during long-term storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. Prolonged exposure to light can cause degradation and discoloration. Store in light-resistant, tightly closed containers.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Atropine Sulfate?

Controlled room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, is suitable. Avoid excessive heat, which can accelerate degradation, especially in the presence of moisture.

Is Atropine Sulfate hygroscopic, and how is this managed during storage?

It can absorb moisture under high humidity conditions. We package it in moisture-barrier bags with desiccant to maintain its stability and free-flowing properties.

How is the purity of Atropine Sulfate verified for ophthalmic use?

We use a validated HPLC method to monitor related tropane alkaloids and degradation products, ensuring they meet strict pharmacopoeial limits for ophthalmic formulations.