Atropine

Question 1

Atropine

Class

Answer 1

• Anticholinergic agent

Question 2

Atropine

Mechanism of action

Answer 2

• Increases HR in bradyarrhythmias
• Parasympatholytic that inhibits action of aCH

Question 3

Atropine

Indications

Answer 3

• Hemodynamically unstable bradycardia
• Asystole
• Bradycardic PEA
• Organophosphate poisoning
• Bronchospastic pulmonary disorders

Question 4

Atropine

Contraidications

Answer 4

• Tachycardia
• Hypersensitivity
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage & myocardial ischemia

Question 5

Atropine

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

• H/A
• N/V
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmias
• Paradoxical bradycardia from slow or low doses
• Anticholinergic effects
  
  • Flushed, hot, dry skin

Question 6

Atropine

Drug interactions

Answer 6

• Adverse effects if administered with:
  
  • Digoxin; Cholinergics; Physostigmine
• Potentiated by:
  
  • antihistamines
  • procainamide
  • quinidine
  • antipsychotics
  • benzo’s
  • antidepressants

Question 7

Atropine

Adult Dosage

Answer 7

• Unstable Bradycardia Adult:
  
  • 0.5 mg IV q 3-5 min,
  • Max dose 0.04mg/kg (3mg per ACLS)
• Asystole or Bradycardic PEA Adult:
  
  • 1mg IV push, repeat q 3-5 min to max of 0.04mg/kg
• **Organophosphate poisoning **Adult:
  • 2-4 mg or higher

Question 8

Pediatric Dose

Answer 8

• Ped:
  
  • ​0.02 mg/kg IV, may double for second dose
    
    • Minimum single dose 0.1 mg
  • Child max single dose: 0.5 mg
  • Child total dose: 1mg
  • Adolescent max single dose: 1 mg
  • Adolescent total dose: 2mg

Question 9

Atropine

Duration

Answer 9

• Onset: Immediate
• **Peak: ** 1-2 min
• **Duration: **2-6 hrs

Question 10

Atropine

Special considerations

Answer 10

• Pregnancy: Cat C
• Moderate doses may cause pupil dilation