What is a known adverse effect of Atropine?

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which are found in various tissues throughout the body. One of the well-known adverse effects of atropine is blurred vision, which occurs due to its ability to cause pupil dilation (mydriasis) and paralysis of the ciliary muscle (cycloplegia). This paralysis impacts the ability of the eye to focus on near objects, leading to visual disturbances.

The mechanism behind this effect is linked to the inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system, which traditionally controls pupil constriction and the ability to accommodate for near vision. When atropine blocks these processes, the result is the inability to adjust focus, hence causing blurred vision.

In contrast, increased salivation and the other listed options do not typically arise from atropine use. Atropine is often administered to decrease salivation (as it reduces glandular secretions) and does not generally cause severe headaches or joint pain, which are unrelated to its pharmacological profile. Recognizing these typical adverse effects of atropine is essential for proper patient management and ensuring that practitioners can provide adequate care while anticipating potential side effects.