Atropine
About Atropine
Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (a condition characterised by a decreased heart rate). Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats slower than 60 times per minute, potentially reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body.
Atropine contains Atropine. It works by blocking the activity of acetylcholine (a chemical messenger). This helps normalise blood pressure, relax the heart, treat symptomatic bradycardia, and prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
Atropine may cause common side effects, including constipation, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, blurred vision, dry mouth, a fast/pounding heartbeat, flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or a tingling feeling), confusion, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and thirst. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Atropine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Atropine. This medicine will be prescribed by a doctor for children, depending on their age and body weight.
Uses of Atropine
Medicinal Benefits
- The Atropine contains Atropine, which is an anticholinergic agent, an antisialagogue (inhibiting 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.
- 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 treat organophosphate insecticides, nerve gas, and mushroom poisoning.
- In combination with other medications, Atropine is used to counteract the muscle-relaxant effect during surgery.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and timing of this medication to achieve optimal results.
- Atropine will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
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
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; therefore, 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 effects of Atropine, like dizziness and drowsiness. Hence, do not consume alcohol.
- This medicine will be prescribed by a doctor for children, depending on their 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: Inform your doctor if you have urinary difficulties, glaucoma, and stomach-related disorders like achalasia of the oesophagus, a blockage in the intestine (paralytic ileus) or an acute form of colonic distension (toxic megacolon).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol consumption may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as 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 risks.
Driving
unsafeAtropine 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
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before receiving Atropine.
Kidney
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you have any history of kidney diseases/impairment before receiving Atropine.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will determine the dose based on your child's age and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- 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 disease.
- Monitor your weight and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy heart.
- Your doctor also guides you on noticing and managing the early symptoms of heart disease.
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 belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which are used to treat bradycardia (a decreased heart rate). It restores a 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 is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate). It works by blocking the activity of acetylcholine (a chemical messenger). As a result, this helps to bring the blood pressure back 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 increase your risk of heat stroke. Hence, it is advisable to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during any physical activity, especially 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 an acute form of colonic distension (toxic megacolon).
