Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Atropen
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Cholinergic Antagonist
Pharmacologic Class: Antimuscarinic
Uses for atropine
Atropine injection is used to treat poisoning caused by organophosphorus nerve agents, including organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides.
Atropine is a cholinergic muscarinic antagonist. It works by blocking the chemical acetylcholine, including excess acetylcholine caused by organophosphorus poisoning.
Atropine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Before using atropine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For atropine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to atropine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atropine injection in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atropine injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of atropine than younger adults, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving atropine injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, y...
