physostigmine

physostigmine

n. a cholinergic drug—an alkaloid derived from the dried seed of an African vine—used in the treatment of glaucoma and to cause the pupil of the eye to contract. It is also employed as a cholinesterase inhibitor to reverse the toxic effects on the central nervous system of overdoses of anticholinergic drugs. U.S. trade names: Antilirium; Isopto Eserine.