Atropine Sulfate

Question 1

Indications - Atropine

Answer 1

❑ First drug for symptomatic sinus bradycardia
❑ May be beneficial in presence of AV nodal block
❑ Organophosphate poisoning (antidote)
❑ Pre-medicate with atropine prior to intubation when using succinylcholine in:
• Pediatrics 1 to 5 years (use pediatric dosing in as per PALS)
• If second dose of succinylcholine is required

Question 2

Adult dosing for Atropine

Answer 2

Symptomatic Bradycardia: 0.5 mg IVP; q 3-5 minutes, Max 0.04 mg/kg to a total of 3 mg

Pre-medicate MFI: 0.5 mg IVP

Organophosphate Poisoning: 2-4 mg IVP q 5 min until reversal of toxicity; SLUDGEM

Question 3

Contraindications (3) - Atropine

Answer 3

❑ Hypersensitivity
❑ Tachycardia
❑ Glaucoma

***❑ Not effective for 2nd degree type II or 3rd degree block (not technically contraindication but…contra-logical)

Question 4

Pediatric dosing for Atropine

Answer 4

PEDs:
Brady/MFI: 0.01 - 0.02 mg/kg to a max of 0.5 mg IV/IO q 5 min. Min dose 0.1mg (too low of dose may induce paradoxical bradycardia). Organophosphate poisoning: 0.05mg to max 1mg IV/IO q5 minutes.