Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HOMATROPINE METHOBROMIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Antimuscarinic agent with cycloplegic (paralyses the ciliary muscle) and mydriatic
(dilation of the pupil) actions. Given in the form of eyedrops as 2% solution. A, so given
as the quaternary ammonium methobromide derivative as an adjunct in the treatment of
peptic ulcer and in the treatment of gastrointestinal spasm. An anticholinergic agent
which stimulates both central and peripheral actions. It first stimulates and then
depresses the central nervous system and has antispasmodic actions on smooth muscle. When
given by mouth reduces smooth muscle tone and diminishes gastric and intestinal motility.

SYNONYMS

C16-H21-N-O3, C16-H21-N-O3, "DL-homatropine methyl bromide", "homatropine methylbromide",
"8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 3-[(hydroxyphenylacetyl)oxy]-8, 8-dimethyl-, bromide,
endo-", "8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 3-[(hydroxyphenylacetyl)oxy]-8, 8-dimethyl-,
bromide, endo-", "3alpha-hydroxy-8-methyl-1-alpha-H, 5-alpha-H-tropanium bromide
mandelate", "3alpha-hydroxy-8-methyl-1-alpha-H, 5-alpha-H-tropanium bromide mandelate",
"(+/-)-homatropine bromide", "methylhomatropine bromide", "8-methylhomatropinium bromide",
"8-methylhomatropinium bromide", "homotropine methylbromide (sic)", "tropinium
methobromide mandelate", Arkitropin, Camatropine, Esopin, Homapin, Homatromide, Malcotran,
Mesopin, Novatrin, Novatrine, Novatropjne, Sed-Tems, Sethyl, "anticholinergic/
antimuscarinic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Anticholinergics can cause loss of vision. Effects associated with their use include increased heart rate, decreased saliva production and other secretions and reduction in bowel movements. Adverse effects include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking, thirst, dilated pupils, loss of focus, sensitivity to light, skin flushing and dryness, a temporary slowing of heart rate followed by rapid heart rate with palpitations and irregularities in rhythm. There may be vomiting, pain in the chest and dizziness. Toxicity due to overdose may result in rapid breathing, high fever, restlessness, confusion, excitement, paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations, delirium, seizures and convulsions. A rash may occur on the face or upper trunk. Severe intoxication can depress the central nervous system, causing inco-ordination, drowsiness, stupor, unconsciousness, coma, stoppage of circulation and breathing, and death.  Muscarine-like drugs activate muscarinic receptors (one type of cholinergic receptor), affecting both peripheral and central nervous systems. Molecular biology techniques have identified at least 5 different  muscarinic receptors. At present the significance of M4 and M5 is unclear.Muscarinic symptoms include:miosis, vasodilation, bradycardia, depressed myocardial contractility and conduction, bronchorrhea, diarrhoea, vomiting, urination and sweating.Ganglionic and neural muscarinic receptors M1 are involved in central nervous system transmission. They modulate the classical ganglionic transmission process.Classical muscarinic receptors M2 and M3 subserve effects such as salivation, urination, defecation and pupillary constriction.Cholinergic receptors are located in the parasympathetic nervous system which, when activated, inhibits the activity of most target organs. Muscarinic receptors (types of cholinergic receptor) are present in postganglionic parasympathetic fibres and autonomic ganglia as well as cortical and subcortical neurones. Acetylcholine is the major peripheral neurotransmitter and affects both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.. Atropine inhibits muscarinic effects. d-  Tubocurarine blocks muscarinic effects on the autonomic ganglia.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  Anticholinergic eye drops can cause stinging, dryness, redness, itch, dilated pupils, and loss of focus with blurred vision. Pupil Reflexes may be lost or diminished for 3 days.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce severely toxic effects; systemic effects may result following absorption and these may be fatal.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Prolonged exposure to anticholinergic agents may irritate the eyes, causing allergic lid reactions, conjunctivitis, swelling, excess blood flow to the eyes, and sensitivity to light. Increase in eye pressure may lead to closed angle glaucoma. There may be hypersensitivity shown by conjunctivitis, rash and eczema. Anticholinergics can also cause chronic constipation with blockage of the intestine by feces.