ATROPINE SULFATE

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

ATROPINE SULFATE

Answer 1

ATROPINE SULFATE

Question 2

ATROPINE SULFATE

Drug Classification:

Answer 2

Anticholinergic

Parasympatholytic

Question 3

ATROPINE SULFATE

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 3

Acetylcholine receptor antagonist ⇒ parasympathetic inhibition, positive chronotropy, no inotropic effect

Question 4

ATROPINE SULFATE

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 4

• Onset of Action = Immediate
• Peak Effects = 2-4 minutes
• Duration of Effect = 4 hours
• Half-Life = 2-3 hours

Question 5

ATROPINE SULFATE

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 5

Indications/Field Use:
• Symptomatic bradycardia (AMS, pulmonary edema, hypotension, chest pain)
• Premedication for RSI with bradycardia <50bpm
• Organophosphate poisoning

Contraindications:
• No longer recommended for PEA and asystole

Question 6

ATROPINE SULFATE

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 6

Blurred vision, dilated pupils

dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion

tachycardia

Question 7

ATROPINE SULFATE

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 7

• *Bradycardia (ADULT):** 0.5mg q3-5min IV, IO up to 3mg
• *RSI (ADULT):** 0.5-1mg IV, IO
• *Organophosphate (ADULT):** 2-5mg
• *Bradycardia (PEDI):** 0.02mg/kg IV, IO; minimum single dose 0.1mg; max single dose 0.5mg
• *RSI (PEDI):** 0.02mg/kg IV, IO
• *Organophosphate (PEDI):** 0.02-0.05mg/kg IV, IO, q20-30min until S/S resolve

Question 8

ATROPINE SULFATE

Precautions:

Answer 8

• Do not give less than 0.5mg (ADULT) or 0.1mg (PEDI) – causes paradoxical effect
• May cause paradoxical slowing or may be ineffective if used for 2° Type II / 3° Heart Block
• Increases myocardial oxygen demand

Question 9

ATROPINE SULFATE

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 9

Few EMS