Atropa belladonna – What are the indications, contraindications, drug interactions?

Atropa belladonna is an anticholinergic herb, which acts as a spasmolytic, secretolytic and analgesic. Of the anticholinergic herbs, Atropa is the mildest and has an affinity for the gastrointestinal tract and uterus. In contrast, Datura has a greater effect on the bronchioles, while Hyoscyamus is the strongest of the three and has an affinity for the urinary tract.

Indications:

• Asthma
• Pain
• Dysmenorrhea, PMS
• Smooth muscle spasm
• Spastic constipation
• Gastritis, hyperchlorhydria, peptic ulcer disease, GERD

Contraindications:

• Myasthenia gravis
• Glaucoma
• Tachycardia, arrhythmias
• Pulmonary edema
• Gastrointestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus
• Genitourinary obstruction, urinary retention, BPH
• Pregnancy and lactation

Interactions:

• Potentiates anticholinergic drugs (Atropine, Tiotropium bromide, Lopamide, Dicyclomine, tricyclic antidepressants, etc.)

From a pharmacology perspective, anticholinergics (Cyclobenzaprine) and ion transport calming (Carisoprodol) drugs are muscle relaxants, while NMDA receptor antagonists (Ketamine), prostaglandin inhibitors (Acetaminophen), and opioids (Codeine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Methadone) are analgesics useful in pain management.

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This post was written by Omar Rifai