Atropine

 

Indications:

 

  • Anticholinergic drug used in bradycardias
  • Organophosphate poisoning
  • Pediatric:
    • Symptomatic bradycardia secondary to AV block or vagal activity 2nd line after Epinephrine for bradycardia due to poor perfusion or hypotension.

 

Contraindications:

 

  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension (rule out head injury first)

 

Side Effects:

 

  • tachycardia
  • dry mouth
  • thirst
  • flushing of skin
  • blurred vision
  • headache
  • pupillary dilation
  • urine retention

 

Adult Dosage:

 

  • Bradycardia

 

    • 1 mg IV administration; repeat Q 3-5 minutes to a total dose of 3 mg

 

  • Organophosphate Poisoning:

 

    • To block parasympathetic response:

 

      • 1 - 2 mg; IV dose repeated Q 5 minutes until a decrease in secretions are observed or to total dose of 6 mg.

 

Pediatric:

 

  • Bradycardia

 

    • 0.02 mg/kg (0.2 ml/kg) IV, Minimum 0.1 mg,
    • Maximum single dose 0.5 mg child; 1 mg adolescent.
    • May be repeated once

 

  • Organophosphate Poisoning:

 

    • To block parasympathetic response:

 

      • Children: 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg Loading dose. Adolescents: 2 mg
      • Repeat every 10 – 15 minutes until rales and bronchial secretions resolved.