methylatropine

**Methylatropine** is a semisynthetic quaternary ammonium salt derivative of atropine, classified as a belladonna alkaloid. It was introduced in 1902 by Bayer under the brand name Eumydrin for use as a mydriatic agent to dilate the pupil during ophthalmic examinations[1][4]. Due to its highly polar nature, it penetrates the central nervous system less readily than atropine and is primarily used for its peripheral antimuscarinic effects, such as relieving pyloric spasm in infants and treating functional gastrointestinal disorders[1][3][4]. Its mechanism of action involves antagonism at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1, M2, and M3 subtypes), leading to inhibition of parasympathetic nerve impulses[7]. Compared to atropine, methylatropine has greater potency at neuromuscular and ganglionic synapses but does not cross the blood-brain barrier effectively[1][4][6].

Brand names

Eumydrin

Other names

Methyl atropineMethyl atropine nitrateMethylatropine nitrateAtropine methyl nitrate