See Also: Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
Atropine(medicine)
atropine(dictionary)
atropine(encyclopedia)
Atropine(health)
atropine methylbromide(medicine)
atropine sulfate(medicine)
atropine test(medicine)
Atropine sulfate(health)
atropine methonitrate(medicine)

Atropine (medicine)


atropine
<drug> A toxic alkaloid extracted from belladonna and other members of thenightshade family, it is typically used to dilate the eye and to stopmuscular spasms.

Pharmacologic action: Parasympatholytic. Competitive blockade of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. Increases sinus node automaticity and AV conduction.

Uses: Treat bradycardia, asystole, and AV blockDose: 0.5 - 1.0 mg for bradycardia every 3 - 5 min to a total dose of 0.04 mg/kg. Doses smaller than 0.5 mg can cause a paradoxical bradycardia due to sympathomimetic effects Typically 3 mg is adequate to completely block vagal effects Atropine is well absorbed via endotracheal route - administer 1-2 mg diluted in 10 mL sterile water or normal saline.

Potential complications: 1. Tachyarrhythmias 2. Exacerbation of myocardial ischemia 3. Low dose may cause paradoxical bradycardia 4. Dry mouth, urinary retention, flushed and hot skin 5. Crosses blood-brain barrier which can cause deliriumNote: The denervated heart will not respond to atropine.