Atropine

Question 1

Indications:

Answer 1

• Adults with bradycardia, particularly if the rhythm
  is narrow complex.
• A Organophosphate poisoning.

Question 2

Contraindiction and cautions

Answer 2

Contraindications:

A Known severe allergy.

Cautions:
A Myocardial ischaemia. Atropine will increase myocardial oxygen consumption.

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

Atropine is an anticholinergic which is mostly used for
the treatment of bradycardia. Atropine antagonises (blocks) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causing vagal inhibition resulting in:

• An increase in heart rate.
• Drying of salivary and bronchial secretions.
• Bronchodilation.
• Reduced gastrointestinal motility.

Question 4

Route

Answer 4

IV / IO
rapid bolus with flush

Question 5

Dosage

Answer 5

0.6mg
repeated and escalating doses are likely required for organophosphate poisoning

Question 6

Side effects

Answer 6

Common adverse effects
– Tachycardia.
– Confusion. Particularly in the elderly or those
with intellectual impairment.
– Dry mouth.
– Blurred vision.

The action of atropine may be potentiated if the patient is taking other drugs with anticholinergic
properties, such as phenothiazines, some
antihistamines (such as promethazine but not
loratadine), tricyclic antidepressants and anti-
parkinsonian medicines. These interactions are rarely clinically significant.

A Slow administration of IV atropine may result in
transient bradycardia.