What is the primary purpose of atropine in organophosphorus poisoning?

• A. To reverse muscarinic symptoms
• B. To reactivate acetylcholinesterase
• C. To reduce seizures
• D. To chelate metals

Answer: (A)

Atropine works by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, counteracting the excess acetylcholine that builds up when organophosphate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase. This reversal of muscarinic effects—such as secretions, bronchoconstriction, bronchospasm, bradycardia, and sweating—is the key therapeutic goal. It does not reactivate the enzyme (that’s the job of pralidoxime), nor does it directly control seizures or chelate metals. So, the primary purpose is to relieve the dangerous muscarinic symptoms caused by organophosphorus poisoning.