Atropine

Question 1

ATROPINE

Class

Answer 1

Parasympatholytic-Parasympathetic blocker (Anticholinergic)

Question 2

ATROPINE

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 2

Potent parasympathetic blocker used to increase the heart rate in hemodynamically significant bradycardia.

It blocks acetylcholine receptors, inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation.

The effects are primarily chronotropic, and atropine has almost no inotropic effect.

It acts as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning.

Question 3

ATROPINE

Indications

Answer 3

Hemodynamically significant bradycardia with a pulse; organophosphate poisoning

Question 4

ATROPINE

Contraindications

Answer 4

Tachycardias, PEA, asystole, cardiac arrest.

Question 5

ATROPINE

Adverse reactions:

Answer 5

Blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, tachycardia,

drowsiness, urinary retention, and confusion

Question 6

ATROPINE

Drug Interactions:

Answer 6

Few

Question 7

ATROPINE
Dosage and Administration
Adult

Answer 7

0.5 mg IV repeated every 3-5 minutes until a maximum of 3 mg is reached.

Question 8

ATROPINE
Dosage and Administration
Pediatric

Answer 8

0.02 mg/kg minimum dose of 0.1 mg, max single dose of 0.5 mg.

Question 9

ATROPINE

Onset

Answer 9

Immediate

Question 10

ATROPINE

Duration

Answer 10

4 Hours

Question 11

ATROPINE

Special Considerations

Answer 11

Doses less than 0.5 mg can cause paradoxical slowing of the heart rate

Use cautiously in patients with CAD as increased heart rate and increased myocardial oxygen demand may worsen ischemia.

Atropine may worsen the bradycardia associated with high degree heart blocks. Pacing should be available.