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Atropine (injection)

Generic name: atropine (injection) [ AT-roe-peen ]
Brand names: AtroPen Auto-Injector, Sal-Tropine, AtroPen, Atreza
Dosage forms: injectable solution (0.4 mg/mL; 1 mg/mL), intramuscular solution (2 mg/0.7 mL), intravenous solution (0.05 mg/mL; 0.1 mg/mL; 0.4 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%)
Drug classes: Anticholinergic chronotropic agents, Anticholinergics / antispasmodics, Antidotes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is atropine?

Atropine is used to help reduce saliva, mucus, or other secretions in your airway during a surgery.

Atropine is sometimes used as an antidote to treat certain types of poisoning.

Atropine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Atropine 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.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

Common side effects of atropine may include:

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.

Warnings

Seek medical attention after any use of atropine to treat poisoning. After the injection you may need to receive further treatment and observation.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received atropine.

How is atropine given?

Atropine is injected into a muscle, under the skin, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Atropine is usually given as soon as possible after the onset of poisoning symptoms.

You may be watched for up to 72 hours to make sure the medicine has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the poison.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since atropine is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

You will be watched closely to make sure you do not receive too much of atropine. Your caregivers will quickly treat you if you have overdose symptoms.

Overdose symptoms may include vision problems, fever, feeling unsteady, 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 while receiving atropine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

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

What other drugs will affect atropine?

Atropine can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially pralidoxime.

Other drugs may affect atropine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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.