Atropine Sulfate 1mg/ml Inj, 1ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully. This medication can be administered in three ways: as an intramuscular injection (into a muscle), subcutaneous injection (under the skin), or intravenous injection (into a vein).
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best storage method.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to find out what steps to take next. They will provide guidance on how to get back on schedule with your medication.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid overheating, especially in hot weather or during exercise, as atropine can reduce sweating and increase body temperature.
- Be aware of potential vision changes (blurred vision, sensitivity to light) and avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
- Report any difficulty urinating or severe constipation.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Atropine Sulf 1% Ophth Ointment
- Atropine Sul 0.4mg/ml Inj, 1ml
- Atropine Sulfate 1mg/ml Inj, 1ml
- Atropine Sulfate 0.1mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 2ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 5ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 15ml
- Atropine Sul 0.1mg/ml Inj, 5ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 5ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 2ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 15ml
- Atropine Sulfate 0.1mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Atropine Sul 0.4mg/ml Inj, 20ml
- Atropine Sulfate 0.4mg/ml Inj 1ml
- Atropine Sul 0.4mg/ml Inj, 20ml
- Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 10ml
- Atropine Sul 0.05mg/1ml Inj, 5ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Urination difficulties
Chest pain or pressure, rapid heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Breathing difficulties, slow breathing, or shallow breathing
Confusion
Balance problems
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Restlessness
Shakiness
Abdominal swelling
Severe constipation or stomach pain, which may indicate a serious bowel problem
Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido
Depression
Changes in vision, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Inability to sweat during physical activity or in warm temperatures
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to bright lights
Constipation
Stomach pain
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased sweating
Dizziness or headache
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Dry nose
Dilated pupils
Flushing
Pain at the injection site
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision or eye pain
- Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate
- Severe constipation or abdominal pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Fever or hot, dry skin
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
To minimize the risk of dehydration, be cautious in hot weather or when engaging in physical activity, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent fluid loss.
Accidental Ingestion Warning
If this medication is swallowed, seek immediate medical attention by calling a doctor or poison control center right away, as it may cause harm.
Special Precautions
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
When administering this medication to children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this population.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Multi-Dose Container Warning
Some products contain benzyl alcohol. To minimize the risk of serious side effects in newborns and infants, it is recommended to avoid products containing benzyl alcohol whenever possible. Benzyl alcohol can cause severe adverse effects in these children, particularly when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. Consult your doctor to determine if this product contains benzyl alcohol and to discuss alternative options.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe dry mouth
- Dilated pupils (mydriasis)
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia
- Flushing of the skin
- Hot, dry skin
- Fever
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension (initially, then hypotension)
- Urinary retention
- Decreased bowel sounds
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations (visual and auditory)
- Delirium
- Ataxia
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is supportive and may include physostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) as an antidote for severe anticholinergic toxicity.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Other anticholinergic agents (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, antihistamines, disopyramide, quinidine): Potentiate anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, CNS effects).
- Potassium chloride (oral forms): Increased risk of GI lesions due to decreased GI motility.
Moderate Interactions
- Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics): Theoretical risk of additive QT prolongation, especially in susceptible patients.
- Metoclopramide, domperidone: Atropine antagonizes their prokinetic effects.
- Antacids, antidiarrheals (adsorbent): May reduce atropine absorption if given concurrently.
- Opioid analgesics: Additive risk of constipation and urinary retention.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline and assess response to therapy, especially for bradycardia.
Timing: Prior to administration
Rationale: To assess cardiac rhythm and identify underlying causes of bradycardia or asystole.
Timing: Prior to administration, especially in cardiac emergencies
Rationale: To assess baseline and monitor for anticholinergic effects, especially in organophosphate poisoning.
Timing: Prior to administration
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Continuously (in acute settings) or frequently (e.g., every 5-15 minutes initially, then as clinically indicated)
Target: Improvement in bradycardia, HR > 60 bpm (or target for specific condition)
Action Threshold: Persistent bradycardia, development of tachycardia, or arrhythmias
Frequency: Continuously or frequently (e.g., every 5-15 minutes initially, then as clinically indicated)
Target: Improvement in hypotension associated with bradycardia
Action Threshold: Persistent hypotension or hypertension
Frequency: Frequently
Target: Normal respiratory effort
Action Threshold: Respiratory depression or distress
Frequency: Frequently
Target: Alert and oriented
Action Threshold: Agitation, delirium, confusion, or somnolence
Frequency: Frequently (especially in organophosphate poisoning)
Target: Pupillary dilation (in poisoning), normal reactivity
Action Threshold: Persistent miosis (in poisoning), fixed/dilated pupils (sign of toxicity)
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Dry, warm skin (sign of atropinization in poisoning)
Action Threshold: Excessive sweating (in poisoning), flushed/hot skin (sign of toxicity)
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Adequate
Action Threshold: Urinary retention
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Present bowel sounds, no distention
Action Threshold: Absent bowel sounds, abdominal distention, constipation
Symptom Monitoring
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Flushing
- Hot, dry skin
- Fever
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Atropine crosses the placenta. While human data are limited, animal studies show some adverse effects at high doses. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Atropine is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is generally small, it can potentially cause anticholinergic effects in the infant (e.g., drowsiness, constipation, urinary retention) and may decrease milk production. Use with caution, especially with repeated doses or in premature/neonatal infants. Monitor infant for anticholinergic effects.
Pediatric Use
Children, especially infants and young children, are more susceptible to the toxic effects of anticholinergic drugs. Fever and CNS effects (agitation, hallucinations) are more common. Dosing must be precise (0.02 mg/kg) and not less than 0.1 mg to avoid paradoxical bradycardia. Close monitoring is essential.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are more susceptible to the anticholinergic effects of atropine, particularly CNS effects (confusion, delirium, hallucinations) and peripheral effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision). Use with caution and consider lower initial doses.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Atropine is the classic antidote for organophosphate poisoning, reversing muscarinic effects. Titrate to 'atropinization' (drying of secretions, clearing of lungs, heart rate >80 bpm, dilated pupils).
- In ACLS, atropine is primarily used for symptomatic bradycardia. It is no longer recommended for routine use in asystole or PEA.
- A minimum dose of 0.1 mg is recommended in children to avoid paradoxical bradycardia, which can occur with very low doses.
- The mnemonic 'hot as a hare, blind as a bat, dry as a bone, red as a beet, mad as a hatter' describes the classic signs of anticholinergic toxicity.
- Atropine can cause paradoxical bradycardia if given too slowly or at very low doses, especially in patients with high vagal tone.
Alternative Therapies
- For symptomatic bradycardia: Epinephrine, dopamine, transcutaneous pacing.
- For pre-anesthesia: Glycopyrrolate (less CNS penetration, less tachycardia), scopolamine (more sedative, antiemetic).
- For organophosphate poisoning: Pralidoxime (2-PAM) is used in conjunction with atropine to reactivate acetylcholinesterase.