Mechanism of action
Antimuscarinic agent.
Reversibly inhibits muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thus antagonizes the effect of acetylcholine on tissues.
Atropine has no significant nicotinic effect.
Indications and dose
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: 30 seconds
Duration of action: 30–60 minutes
Half-life of elimination: 2–4 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic
Elimination: Kidneys (13–50 % unchanged drug)
Directions for administration
Administration of atropine should not delay implementation of external pacing for unstable patients (for example those with high degree AV block).
Should be given with anticholinesterase when administering to patients with myasthenia gravis.
Medicinal forms
1 vial = 0.5 mg/5 ml
Side-effects
CNS: sedation, delirium
CVS: tachycardia
Respiratory: bronchodilation, decreased secretion
GIT: decreased secretion, decreased gut motility
GUT: urinary retention
Skin: decreased sweating, flushing
References
