Introduction

Name

• Atropine sulfate.

Class of drug

• Parasympatholytic agent.
• Plant alkaloid used as an anticholinergic agent.

Description

Chemical name

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

Molecular formula

• C17H23NO3.

Physical properties

• Clear, sterile solution

Storage requirements

• <25°C.
• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Correction of bradycardia and bradyarrhythmias.
• Correction of hypotension caused by bradycardia.
• To dilate pupils.
• Used as antidote to organophosphate and carbamate poisoning.
• In conjunction with anticholinesterase drugs during antagonism of neuromuscular blockade.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• Atropine should not be mixed with bromides, iodides, sodium bicarbonate, alkalis or noradrenaline.
• It is not recommended to combine atropine with alpha-2 agonists.
• Atropine may aggravate some clinical signs seen with amitraz toxicity, leading to hypertension and gut stasis.

Drugs which may enhance the activity of atropine

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

The adverse effects of atropine may be potentiated by

• Primidone.
• Disopyramide.
• Corticosteroids (prolonged use may increase intraocular pressure).

Drugs enhanced by atropine

• Thiazide diuretics.
• Sympathomimetics.

Drugs antagonized by atropine

• Metoclopramide   Metoclopramide  .

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Olson M E, Vizzutti D, Morck D W et al (1994) The parasympatholytic effects of atropine sulfate and glycopyrrolate in rats and rabbits. Can J Vet Res 58 (4), 254-258 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I et al (2011) Atropine. In:BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 7th end. Cheltenham, BSAVA.
• Pariaut R (2009) Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease of the Rabbit. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 12 (1), 135-144.
• Johnston M S (2008) Clinical Toxicoses of Domestic Rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 11 (2), 315-326.
• Lichtenberger M & Ko J (2007) Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Small Mammals and Birds. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 10 (2), 293-315.
• Carpenter J W (2005) Rabbits. In:Exotic Animal Formulary. 3rd edn. Elsevier Saunders. pp 409-444.
• Andrew A E (2002) Corneal Disease of Rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 5 (2), 341-356. 
• Mason D (1997) Anesthesia, analgesia, and sedation for small mammals. In: Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents: clinical medicine and surgery. Eds: Hillyer E & Quesenberry K. Philadelphia: WB Saunders. pp 378-391.