Investigation of Visual Performance after Administration of Cholinergic Blocking Agents. 2. Atropine

摘要

We performed two experiments testing the effects of 2 milligrams of atropine per 70 kilograms of body weight and placebo on general vision functions, and on some more applied vision tests. In both of these experiments, atropine produced and increase in pulse rate 90 minutes after injection. This increased pulse rate had returned to normal 4-1/2 hours after injection. Subjects reported feeling 'high' or intoxicated, and they reported dry mouth and dry skin during this same period. At the end of the experimental period, these sensations had returned to normal. We concluded that atropine at 2 milligrams per 70 kilograms of body weight will have little effect on those vision functions which influence general performance. There may however be military situations in which heat stress and psychological stress combine to accentuate the effects of atropine and have a detrimental effect on performance.