Which statement about atropine in organophosphate poisoning is true?

• A. It reactivates acetylcholinesterase
• B. Absorbs toxins in the gut
• C. Reduces secretions in the airways
• D. It is the antidote for organophosphate poisoning

Answer: (D)

Organophosphate poisoning causes an excess of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to dangerous airway secretions, bronchoconstriction, and other muscarinic symptoms. Atropine works by blocking these muscarinic receptors, so it rapidly reduces airway secretions and bronchospasm, and helps prevent bradycardia from the cholinergic surge. This makes atropine a central part of the antidotal treatment for the poisoning.

It’s important to note that atropine does not reactivate acetylcholinesterase—that job belongs to pralidoxime—nor does atropine by itself neutralize or absorb toxins in the gut. But by counteracting the muscarinic effects, atropine addresses the life-threatening aspects of the cholinergic crisis, which is why it is described as the antidote component for organophosphate poisoning.