Clinical Pharmacology Details


ATROPINE SULPHATE


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Indications & Dose:

Bradycardia due to acute massive overdosage of betablockers



Child: 40 micrograms/kg (max. per dose 3 mg)


Adult: 3 mg


Treatment of poisoning by organophosphorus insecticide or nerve agent (in combination with pralidoxime chloride)



Child: 20 micrograms/kg every 5–10 minutes (max. per dose 2 mg) until the skin becomes flushed and dry, the pupils dilate, and bradycardia is abolished, frequency of administration dependent on the severity of poisoning


Adult: 2 mg every 5–10 minutes until the skin becomes flushed and dry, the pupils dilate, and bradycardia is abolished, frequency of administration dependent on the severity of poisoning


Symptomatic relief of gastro-intestinal disorders


characterised by smooth muscle spasm



Adult: 0.6–1.2 mg daily, dose to be taken at night


Premedication



Child 12–17 years: 300–600 micrograms, to be administered immediately before induction of anaesthesia


Adult: 300–600 micrograms, to be administered immediately before induction of anaesthesia



Child 12–17 years: 300–600 micrograms, to be administered 30–60 minutes before induction of anaesthesia


Adult: 300–600 micrograms, to be administered 30–60 minutes before induction of anaesthesia


Intra-operative bradycardia



Child 12–17 years: 300–600 micrograms, larger doses may be used in emergencies


Adult: 300–600 micrograms, larger doses may be used in emergencies continued


Control of muscarinic side-effects of neostigmine in reversal of competitive neuromuscular block



Child 12–17 years: 0.6–1.2 mg


Adult: 0.6–1.2 mg


Excessive bradycardia associated with betablocker use



Adult: 0.6–2.4 mg in divided doses (max. per dose 600 micrograms)


Bradycardia following myocardial infarction (particularly if complicated by hypotension) 



Adult: 500 micrograms every 3–5 minutes; maximum 3 mg per course  

Contraindications:

Narrow angle glaucoma, gastric and urinary retention, paralytic ileus. Obstructive disease of GI tract, obstructive uropathy, unstable cardiovascular status, in acute haemorrhage, intestinal atony of the elderly or debilitated patient, thyrotoxicosis, tachycardia, hypersensitivity to belladonna alkaloids. 

Side Effects:

Dry mouth with difficulty in swallowing and thirst, dilatation of the pupils with loss of accommodation and sensitivity to light, increased intra-ocular pressure, flushing, dry skin, bradycardia followed by tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmia, difficulty with micturition and constipation, rarely fever, confusional states and rashes, decreased sweating, constipation, irritation at injection site, increased sensitivity to light, confusion, skin rash, orthostatic hypotension, loss of memory, headache, nausea, vomiting, ventricular fibrillation, palpitation, ataxia. 

Cautions:

Elderly, urinary retention, prostatic enlargement, tachycardia, cardiac insufficiency, paralytic ileus, ulcerative colitis and pyloric stenosis; may aggravate gastro-oesophageal reflux; pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Precautions:

 In children with spastic paralysis or brain damage. Prostate hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, biliary tract disease, chronic lung disease. Heart prostration may occur in hot weather.


Pregnancy: Safety not established.


Breast-feeding:  use only if clearly indicated.


Old age: May be used in reduced dose


MONITORING REQUIREMENTS


Control of muscarinic side-effects of neostigmine in reversal of competitive neuromuscular block Since atropine has a shorter duration of action than neostigmine, late unopposed bradycardia may

Interaction:

Drugs


Antihistamines, anti-psychotics, antiparkinsonism medicine, mepridine, orphenadrine, nitrites, alkaline agents, primidone, MAO inhibitors 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: