HYOSCYAMINA Meaning and
Definition
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Hyoscyamina is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of tropane alkaloids, which are commonly found in several plant species such as belladonna (Atropa belladonna) and jimsonweed (Datura stramonium). It is a naturally occurring anticholinergic agent that acts as a competitive antagonist of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, inhibiting its effects on various receptors in the body.
Hyoscyamina has both therapeutic and toxicological properties. In medicine, it is used for the treatment of various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcers. It can also be employed in preoperative situations to reduce salivation and bronchial secretions. Additionally, in ophthalmology, hyoscyamina eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and improve visualization during certain eye examinations.
However, due to its potent anticholinergic effects, hyoscyamina can cause adverse reactions and toxicity in higher doses. These can include dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, urinary retention, constipation, and confusion. In extreme cases, it may lead to delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and even respiratory failure.
Hyoscyamina should only be used under medical supervision and requires careful dosage adjustments to balance its desired therapeutic effects with the potential risks.
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Hyoscyamine, an alkaloid found in hyoscyamus, belladonna, and stramonium, an isomer of atropine; occurs in the form of acicular crystals or of an amorphous powder of an acrid taste; employed as an antispasmodic, hypnotic, and sedative in doses of gr. 1/150-1/75 (0.0004-0.0008).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYOSCYAMINA
- hyoscyawmine
- hyoscyami.a
- hyoscyamifa
- hyoscyamila
- hyoscyamioa
- hyoscyamini
- hyoscyaminc
- h yoscyamina
- hy oscyamina
- hyo scyamina
- hyos cyamina
- hyosc yamina
- hyoscy amina
- hyoscya mina
- hyoscyam ina
- hyoscyami na
- hyoscyamin a
Etymology of HYOSCYAMINA
The word "hyoscyamina" is derived from the genus name Hyoscyamus, which is a group of flowering plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The genus name itself comes from the combination of two Greek words: "hyos" meaning "swine" and "kyamos" meaning "bean", as the seeds of the plants were believed to be a favorite food of swine. "Hyoscyamina" is the plural form of "hyoscyaminum", which refers to the alkaloid compound hyoscyamine found in these plants.
