Cardiac: Parasympatholytics (Parasympathetic Antagonists) Flashcards
Atropine Sulfate
Onset: immediate
Peak effects: 2-4 minutes
Duration: 4 hours
Half-life: 2-3 hours
MOA: a potent parasympatholytic and is used to increase the HR in hemodynamically unstable bradycardias. Hemodynamically unstable bradycardias are those that slow HR accompanied by hypotension, SOB, chest pain, AMS, CHF, and shock. Atropine acts by blocking acetylcholine receptors, thus inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation. It has positive chronotropic properties, and has little to no inotropic effect. *Antidote for organophosphate poisonings.
Class: anticholinergic
Description: is a parasympatholytic (anticholinergic) that is derived from parts of the Atropa belladonna plant
Indications: hemodynamically significant bradycardia with a pulse; organophosphate poisoning
Contraindications: none in emergency setting
Side effects: blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, tachycardia, drowsiness, and confusion
Route: IV
Adult Dosage: Unstable Bradycardia- 0.5 mg every 3-5 minutes, max dose 3 mg
Organophosphate poisoning- 2-5 mg or more
Peds Dosage: Unstable Bradycardia- 0.02 mg/kg (min. dose of 0.1 mg); MAX single dose 0.5 mg
