SCOPOLAMINE Meaning and
Definition
-
Scopolamine is a noun that refers to a natural alkaloid compound derived from certain plants, particularly the nightshade family. It is used as a medication with various applications but is most commonly recognized for its use as a prescription drug to treat certain medical conditions. The term can also be used to describe the derived synthetic form of the compound called hyoscine.
As a medication, scopolamine acts primarily as an anticholinergic drug by blocking the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for various bodily functions. This pharmacological property makes scopolamine useful in preventing the actions of muscarinic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Due to its ability to inhibit nerve signals, it can help alleviate symptoms commonly associated with conditions like motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and some gastrointestinal disorders.
Additionally, scopolamine can also have sedative effects on the body, making it useful in certain medical procedures or surgery to induce relaxation and decrease excessive secretions. Its ability to inhibit memory formation has prompted its occasional use as a preoperative medication to address anxiety or used as part of the treatment for psychiatric conditions like depression or mania.
However, it is worth noting that scopolamine can have adverse effects, mainly when used in high doses or for an extended period. These may include dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, and even hallucinations or delirium. Due to its potency and potential side effects, scopolamine is typically only available by prescription and should be used strictly under medical supervision.
-
An alkaloid from scopola employed in the form of scopolaminae hydrobromidum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCOPOLAMINE
- acopolamine
- zcopolamine
- xcopolamine
- dcopolamine
- ecopolamine
- wcopolamine
- sxopolamine
- svopolamine
- sfopolamine
- sdopolamine
- scipolamine
- sckpolamine
- sclpolamine
- scppolamine
- sc0polamine
- sc9polamine
- scooolamine
- scololamine
- sco-olamine
Etymology of SCOPOLAMINE
The word "scopolamine" has its origin in the mid-19th century, and it is derived from the scientific name of the plant from which it was first isolated, Scopolia. The plant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is known scientifically as Scopolia carniolica. The term "scopolamine" itself was coined by a German pharmacist named Albert Ladenburg in 1880, who obtained the chemical compound from the roots of Scopolia plants.
Similar spelling word for SCOPOLAMINE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
