Atropine
About
Atropine belongs to a class of drugs known as 'anticholinergics', used to treat bradycardia (decreased heart rate). It restores normal heartbeat during cardiac arrest. It is also used to reduce saliva, mucus, or other secretions in the respiratory tract during surgery. It is further used as an antidote to treat organophosphate insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisonings.
Atropine contains Atropine, which belongs to the class of muscarinic antagonists or parasympatholytics. It works by blocking the activity of acetylcholine (chemical messenger). As a result, this helps to bring back the blood pressure within the normal range and relaxes the heart. Hence, it treats symptomatic bradycardia and prevents sudden fall in blood pressure.
Atropine may cause some common side effects like constipation, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, blurred vision, dry mouth, fast/pounding heartbeat, flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), confusion, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and thirst. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Atropine or any of its ingredients. Before using Atropine, inform your doctor if you have any medical history, including asthma, glaucoma (elevated pressure in the eye), heart rhythm disorder, liver/kidney diseases, enlarged prostate, stomach diseases or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness). Atropine may cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness, hence do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Atropine. This medicine will be prescribed by a doctor for children depending on the child's age and body weight.
Uses of Atropine
Medicinal Benefits
Atropine contains Atropine, which is an anticholinergic agent, antisialagogue (that inhibits the flow of saliva), and an antidote. It is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate). It also restores a normal heartbeat in cardiac arrest or failure patients. It is used as a preoperative medication before anaesthesia to inhibit salivation and excessive secretions of the respiratory tract. It also acts as an antidote to insecticide, nerve gas, and mushroom poisoning. In combination with other medicines, Atropine is used to reverse the muscle relaxant effect during surgery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Atropine
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Fast/pounding heartbeat,
- Flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Thirst
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before using Atropine, inform your doctor if you have any medical history, including asthma, glaucoma, heart rhythm disorder, liver/kidney diseases, enlarged prostate, stomach diseases or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness). Atropine may cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness, hence do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Atropine. Alcohol consumption may worsen the side effect of Atropine like dizziness and drowsiness. It is better to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Atropine. This medicine will be prescribed by a doctor for children depending on the child's age and body weight.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Atropine may interact with tricyclic antidepressants, Parkinson’s medication (amantadine), heart-related drugs (mexiletine, disopyramide, quinidine), antifungals (ketoconazole), and antipsychotics (phenothiazine, clozapine),
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it may increase the occurrence of side effects like dizziness while being treated with Atropine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Atropine is contraindicated in allergic reactions, urinary difficulties, glaucoma, and stomach-related disorders like achalasia of the oesophagus, a blockage in the intestine (paralytic ileus) or acute form of colonic distension (toxic megacolon).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may worsen the side effect of this medicine like dizziness and drowsiness. It is better to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Atropine.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe Atropine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe Atropine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Driving
cautionAtropine may cause side effects like dizziness and drowsiness that could affect your driving ability. Do not drive or operate machinery in such cases. Drive only when you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before receiving Atropine.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have any history of kidney diseases/impairment before receiving Atropine.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose depending on the age and condition of your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control.
- Eat at regular intervals and maintain a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables
- Limit alcohol intake since it raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart diseases
- Keep a check on your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
- Your doctor also guides you on noticing and managing the early symptoms of detecting heart diseases.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bradycardia: It is referred to as a slower-than-normal heartbeat. A normal person's heart typically beats 60 to 100 times per minute. It beats less frequently than 60 times in bradycardia. When the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, this condition develops. Breathlessness, angina, fatigue, palpitations, and lightheadedness are some of the symptoms.
FAQs
Atropine contains Atropine, which is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate). It works by blocking the activity of acetylcholine (chemical messenger). As a result, this helps to bring back the blood pressure within the normal range and relaxes the heart.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Atropine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent mouth drying.
Atropine may decrease sweating and make you more prone to heat stroke. Hence, it is advised to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during any physical activity and in hot weather.
Atropine is contraindicated in allergic reactions, urinary difficulties, elevated pressure in the eye (glaucoma), and stomach-related disorders like achalasia of the oesophagus, a blockage in the intestine (paralytic ileus) or acute form of colonic distension (toxic megacolon).
