True or False: Atropine serves as an antidote for cholinergic poisoning.

Atropine is indeed considered an antidote for cholinergic poisoning. In cases of poisoning, there is an excess of acetylcholine due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, leading to overstimulation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Atropine, an anticholinergic medication, works by competitively blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors. This helps to alleviate the symptoms of cholinergic toxicity, such as excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and bronchoconstriction.

While atropine may not completely reverse all aspects of cholinergic poisoning, particularly the effects on nicotinic receptors, it is heavily relied upon in clinical practice for its efficacy in managing the more prominent muscarinic symptoms. Thus, stating that atropine serves as an antidote for cholinergic poisoning is true, making it a vital tool in emergency medicine for treating such cases.