Atropine

• Indications:

  • Symptomatic bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Arrhythmias (AV blocks)
  • Inadequate perfusion or bradycardia following ROSC
  • Organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning
  • Symptomatic relief of GI disorders causing smooth muscle spasm
• MOA:

  • Antimuscarinic that inhibits acetylcholine receptors
  • Blocks vagal input to SA and AV nodes
  • This suppression of the parasympathetic nervous system allows the sympathetic nervous system to predominate, raising the heart rate
  • Can reverse AV block and restore normal sinus rhythm
• Contraindications:

  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Acute-closure glaucoma - causes mydriasis which can further obstruct aqueous humor
  • Bowel obstruction -
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • prostatic hypertrophy
• Repeat doses may be needed due to short half life
• Common side effects:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Reduction in secretions e.g. dry mouth
  • Urinary retention
  • Dilated pupils resulting in blurred vision
  • Constipation