Atropine Flashcards
How is atropine presented? (4)
Pre-filled syringe containing 1mg atropine sulfate in 10ml (100mcg/1ml)
Pre-filled syringe containing 1mg in 5ml (200mcg/1ml)
Pre-filled syringe containing 3mg in 10ml (300mcg/1ml)
Ampoules containing 600mcg in 1ml
What are some indications for the administration of atropine sulfate? (6)
Symptomatic bradycardia in the presence of ANY of these adverse signs:
Absolute bradycardia <40bpm
Low systolic BP
Sudden ventricular arrhythmia requiring suppression
Inadequate perfusion causing confusion
Bradycardia following ROSC
What is the most common cause of bradycardia in children?
Hypoxia
What is a contraindication for atropine?
DO NOT administer to treat bradycardia in suspected hypothermia
What 3 things does atropine do?
Reverse effects of vagal overdrive
Increases heart rate
Enhances AV conduction
How does atropine increase heart rate?
Blocks vagal activity in sinus bradycardia, second or third degree heart block
What are 6 side effects of atropine?
Dry mouth
Visual blurring
Pupil dilation
Confusion
Occasional hallucinations
Tachycardia
What can happen when you administer small doses of atropine <100mcg?
Can cause paradoxical bradycardia
Why should atropine not be administered with suspected myocardial infarction?
May induce tachycardia which will increase myocardial oxygen demand and worsen ischaemia
When can atropine be administered with suspected MI?
If low heart rate is causing problems with perfusion
What is the initial dose of atropine?
600mcg
What is the volume of atropine for administration with 600mcg per ml?
1ml
What is the volume of atropine to be administered with 300mcg of atropine per ml?
2ml
What is the max dose of atropine?
3mg
What is the repeat dose for atropine?
600mcg
