ATROPINE injectable

Therapeutic action

• Parasympatholytic, antispasmodic

Indications

• Premedication in anaesthesia
• Spasms of the gastrointestinal tract
• Organophosphorus pesticide poisoning

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 1 mg atropine sulfate in 1 ml ampoule (1 mg/ml) for SC, IM, IV injection
• Also comes in 0.25 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml ampoules.

Dosage and duration

Premedication in anaesthesia

• Child: 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg by SC or IV injection
• Adult: 1 mg by SC or IV injection

Spasms of the gastrointestinal tract

• Child from 2 to 6 years: 0.25 mg by SC injection, single dose
• Child over 6 years: 0.5 mg by SC injection, single dose
• Adult: 0.25 to 1 mg by SC injection, every 6 hours if necessary (max. 2 mg daily)

Organophosphorus pesticide poisoning

• Child: 0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg by IM or slow IV injection
• Adult: 2 mg by IM or slow IV injection

Repeat every 5 to 10 minutes until signs of atropinisation appear (reduced secretions, tachycardia, dilatation of the pupils).

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with urethro-prostatic disorders, cardiac disorders, glaucoma.
• Do not administer to children with high fever.
• May cause: urinary retention, dryness of the mouth, constipation, dizziness, headache, dilatation of the pupils, tachycardia.
• Administer with caution and under close supervision to patients taking other anticholinergic drugs (antidepressants, neuroleptics, H1 antihistamines, antiparkinsonians, etc.).
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication; NO PROLONGED TREATMENT
• Breast-feeding: avoid; NO PROLONGED TREATMENT

Remarks

• Atropine IV is also used to prevent bradycardic effects of neostigmine when used to reverse the effects of competitive muscle relaxants: 0.02 mg/kg in children; 1 mg in adults.
• Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe.

Storage