AtroPen Auto-Injector (injection)

Generic name: atropine (injection) [ AT-roe-peen ]
Other brand names of atropine (injection) include AtroPen Auto-Injector
Drug classes: Anticholinergic chronotropic agents, Anticholinergics / antispasmodics, Antidotes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 24, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is AtroPen Auto-Injector?

AtroPen Auto-Injector is used treat serious or life-threatening conditions in adults and children, such as noisy breathing and cardiac arrest due to no or low heartbeats. It also helps in controlling the heart rate, digestion, and reducing the excessive saliva, mucus, or other secretions in the body.

AtroPen Auto-Injector is sometimes used in adults and children as an antidote to treat certain types of insecticide and mushroom poisoning.

AtroPen Auto-Injector may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

AtroPen Auto-Injector side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

AtroPen Auto-Injector may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• problems with urination;

• new or worsening of breathing problems;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, stomach or bowel obstruction, bloating, trouble swallowing, feeling full after eating a small amount;

• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

• decreased sweating; or

• heart problems--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

Common side effects of AtroPen Auto-Injector may include:

• fast or pounding heartbeats, or fluttering in your chest;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• problems with urination;

• constipation, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• loss of interest in sex, impotence;

• dry mouth;

• dry eyes, blurred vision, eyes being more sensitive to light;

• confusion, dizziness;

• headache; or

• pain where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Seek emergency medical attention after you receive AtroPen Auto-Injector for certain types of poisoning. You will need to be watched closely. A healthcare provider may prescribe additional treatment. Make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received AtroPen Auto-Injector.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• chronic lung disease;

• glaucoma;

• an enlarged prostate;

• urination problems;

• heart problems such as heart attack, coronary artery disease (clogged arteries), and heart rhythm disorder;

• heart transplant; or

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

AtroPen Auto-Injector may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

It is not known if AtroPen Auto-Injector will harm an unborn baby. However, having a life-threatening medical emergency during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. The benefit of this treatment may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is AtroPen Auto-Injector given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

AtroPen Auto-Injector is usually injected into a vein, but it may also be injected into a muscle, trachea, bone, or under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

With certain brand forms, your healthcare provider may teach you or your caregiver how to properly use at home. You should make sure to have at least 3 autoinjectors available if you are at risk of insecticide poisoning.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your AtroPen Auto-Injector autoinjector. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use the this medicine autoinjector.

AtroPen Auto-Injector is usually given soon after the onset of symptoms. You may need more than one dose depending on the condition being treated.

In certain cases, doses may be based on weight. Your autoinjector dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Prepare an autoinjector only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Each autoinjector is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You may be given other medications if you have certain conditions. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

You may be watched for up to 72 hours to make sure the medicine has been effective.

Read and carefully follow the instructions provided with this autoinjector about how to safely dispose of any unused portion, an empty container, or a needle.

Store the autoinjector at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

AtroPen Auto-Injector is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include vision problems, fever, dry skin, feeling unsteady, restlessness, tremors, tiredness, loss of balance or coordination, trouble concentrating, fast heart rate, confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things), weak or shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid after using AtroPen Auto-Injector?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how AtroPen Auto-Injector will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. AtroPen Auto-Injector can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Wear protective clothing, including masks, to protect against various types of poisoning, such as from chemical nerve agents and insecticides.

What other drugs will affect AtroPen Auto-Injector?

Other drugs may affect AtroPen Auto-Injector, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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