Atropine

[CarlaB]

I am getting braces next week ... fun, but my TMJ is feeling much better, and this is the next step.

My ortho wants me to take atropine to dry out my mouth 30 min. before my appt. Anyone know if it's gluten-free? Anyone with any experience taking this, it doesn't sound good to me ...

[Michi8]

I am getting braces next week ... fun, but my TMJ is feeling much better, and this is the next step.

My ortho wants me to take atropine to dry out my mouth 30 min. before my appt. Anyone know if it's gluten-free? Anyone with any experience taking this, it doesn't sound good to me ...

Sorry, no experience with it. I also don't remember having to take any drug like that when I had braces put on. Is it common practice now?

Michelle

[TriticusToxicum]

I don't know if it's gluten-free or not, all i remember was drinking ALOT of h20 after all was said and done. That stuff REALLY works! You're in for a real treat! You may want to check on the latex they use to make the molds too, some of them are flavored (what's the point?) with lord knows what.

[CarlaB]

I don't know if it's gluten-free or not, all i remember was drinking ALOT of h20 after all was said and done. That stuff REALLY works! You're in for a real treat! You may want to check on the latex they use to make the molds too, some of them are flavored (what's the point?) with lord knows what.

Thanks for the suggestion. I already had the molds done a couple months ago. I have tmj disorder so this is the final stage of the treatment. I went for the unflavored latex.

So, did you have it recently? After knowing about celiac? I'm wondering if you got glutened from it.

Michelle, my daughter did not have it for her braces, but she goes to a different ortho (hers is walking distance from our house, mine is a tmj specialist).

[2kids4me]

atropine has no gluten - it originates from a plant.

It is usually used in procedures that require a general anesthetic, it has side effects (different than "complications"). It does affect heart rate. I would aska few more questions - If you have concerns - would the Dr be willing to just use suction instead? or does that interfere with putting the braces on?

If the amount is small - then all it will do is dry the mouth and perhaps dilate the pupils but shouldnt affect the heart rate in small doses.

Atropine a naturally occurring alkaloid of "atropa belladonna", is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors. It is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, and is excreted in the urine. Atropine undergoes hepatic metabolism and has a plasma half-life of 2-3 hours. Atropine ampoules should be stored away from light and never be frozen.

Uses: When used as premedication for anaesthesia, atropine decreases bronchial and salivary secretions, blocks the bradycardia associated with some drugs used in anaesthesia such as halothane, suxamethonium and neostigmine, and also helps prevent bradycardia from excessive vagal stimulation.

Dose and Administration: Around 500-600mcg are used as a premedication in adults administered intramuscularly 30-60 minutes before surgery. Alternatively it may be given intravenously at induction of anaesthesia. Children should receive 20mcg/kg.

When used to treat bradycardias 250-500mcg is generally effective in adults whilst children should receive 10-20mcg/kg.

During reversal of neuromuscular blockade in adults 1 - 1.2mg of atropine is given mixed with 2.5-5mg neostigmine.

Main effects: There is usually an increase in heart rate and sometimes a tachycardia as well as inhibition of secretions (causing a dry mouth) and relaxation of smooth muscle in the gut, urinary tract and biliary tree. Since atropine crosses the blood brain barrier CNS effects in the elderly may include amnesia, confusion and excitation. Pupillary dilatation and paralysis of accommodation occur, with an increase in intraocular pressure especially in patients with glaucoma. Occasionally small intravenous doses may be accompanied by slowing of the heart rate due to a central effect - this resolves with an extra increment of intravenous atropine.

Cautions: Avoid large doses of atropine in the elderly. Glycopyrrolate, which does not cross the blood brain barrier, is not associated with CNS excitability but is more expensive and less effective for treating bradycardias. Atropine should be avoided when possible in febrile children as the body temperature may be further increased, particularly in places with a high environmental temperature.

Adverse effects: Being a sympathetic cholinergic blocking agent, signs of parasympathetic block may occur such as dryness of the mouth, blurred vision, increased intraocular tension and urinary retention.

[CarlaB]

Thanks, Sandy, it's just one small capsule, so I would say it's a small dose.

[2kids4me]

and given orally - it's effects will be minimal - as in limited to dry mouth.

A note to those with other allergies -atropine is derives from a nightshade plant.

[TriticusToxicum]

I went for the unflavored latex.

So, did you have it recently? After knowing about celiac? I'm wondering if you got glutened from it.

Unflavored latex? That's a different thread!

No, I'm recollecting from 20+ yrs ago, back when braces were braces. None of this hide 'em behind your teeth business, no sir-ee we wore 'em bright 'an shine-eee up front! None of those purple sparkl-ee rubber bands either!

I was lucky enough to get my braces on x-mas eve. I remember how pitiful I felt on x-mas day, mashed taters and jello only for dinner!

[CarlaB]

Umm, yea, mine are right up front, stainless, no rubber bands ... He uses the Damon system, but won't use the porcelain ones because they wear away, very high failure rate .... so bright and shiny stainless braces for me!! I'm going to put my hair in pigtails and go as a "kid" for Halloween!!!