Atropine Sulfate

Question 1

Atropine Class?

Answer 1

Anticholinergic, parasympatholytic

Question 2

Atropine Action?

Answer 2

Inhibits actions of the acetylcholine causing decreases salivation and bronchial secretions, increased heart rate and decreased gastric motility

Question 3

Atropine Indications?

Answer 3

Hemodynamically unstable bradycardia, organophosphate or nerve gas poisoning

Question 4

Atropine Contraindications?

Answer 4

Tachycardia, hypersensitivity, avoid use of hypothermic patients, caution in patients with active MI and hypoxia

Question 5

Atropine Onset/Duration?

Answer 5

Onset : Rapid

Duration : 2 - 6 hours

Question 6

Atropine Dose/Route?

Answer 6

Adult : Bradycardia - 0.5mg IV/IO every 3-5 mins up to 3mg.
Organophosphate poisoning - 1 to 5mg IV/IM/IO repeated 3-5 mins until cessation of bronchial secretions

Peds : Bradycardia NOT responding to Epi - 0.02mg/kg IV/IO (Min dose 0.1mg, Max dose 0.5mg) with a maximum total of 1mg for a child and 3mg for a adolescent.
Organophosphate poisoning - 0.05mg/kg IV/IM/IO may be repeated every 20-30 mins until cessation of bronchial secretions

Question 7

Atropine Side Effects?

Answer 7

Tachycardia, paradoxical bradycardia if given to slow or to small of dose, dilated pupils, dysrhythmias, headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, flushed, anticholinergic effects