Introduction

Name

• Atropine.

Class of drug

• Parasympatholytic agent.

Description

Chemical name

• Endo-(+/-)-alpha-(hydroxymethyl)benzeneacetic acid 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl ester.
• 1-alphaH,5-alphaH-tropan-3-alpha-ol(+/-)-tropate (ester).

Molecular formula

• C17H23NO3.

Physical properties

• Clear, sterile solution.

Storage requirements

• <25°C.
• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Prevention or correction of bradycardia and bradyarrythmias.
• To dilate pupils.
• Premedicant Anesthetic premedication: overview.
• Organophosphate Organophosphorus poisoning and carbamate poisoning.
• In conjunction with anticholinesterase drugs during antagonism of neuromuscular blockade.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

Drugs which may enhance the activity of atropine

• Antihistamines.
• Procainamide.
• Quinidine.
• Pethidine.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Phenothiazines.

The adverse effects of atropine may be potentiated by

• Primidone.
• Disopyramide.
• Corticosteroids (prolonged use may increase intra-ocular pressure).

Drugs enhanced by atropine

• Thiazide diuretics.
• Sympathomimetics.

Drugs antagonized by atropine

• Metoclopramide.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Based on Small Animal Formulary. Tennant, Bryn (1999) 3rd edn. Cheltenham: BSAVA.