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Atropine Information

Atropine (Atropine Sulfate) is used in and to prevent emergency situations where the heart is beating too slowly in children and adults. Atropine is occasionally used before a general anaesthetic to slow the flow of your saliva or to prevent or reduce secretions from your lungs; to restore your heart rate and blood pressure in your arteries during anesthesia; to reduce the effects of heart block caused; and to increase heart rate and prevent fainting. Atropine is also very effective for treating people who become ill as a result of eating poisonous mushrooms. Atropine works by stopping the effect of a chemical which we have in our bodies which slows the heartbeat, makes us produce saliva in our mouths and helps us to digest our food. The poison in mushrooms contains a similar chemical. Atropine therefore can increase the heartbeat, slow the digestive processes and act as an antidote to mushroom poisoning. Atropine is also used as an antidote for severe low blood pressure from taking a cholinergic drug and as an antidote to poisoning from organophosphorus insecticides. Atropine is available in 10 x 1 ml ampules injections with dosage 0.4 mg/ml and 0.6 mg/ml.

Atropine Side Effects

The most common side effects of Atropine may include pounding heartbeats; dry mouth; constipation; thirst; blurred vision; palpitations; difficulty in passing urine; dizziness; headache; nervousness; confusion; nausea; tiredness. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• A severe skin rash;
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• Feeling restless or excited;
• Increased thirst, hot and dry skin;
• Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, feeling full after eating a small amount;
• Trouble swallowing;
• Tremors, problems with balance or muscle movement;
• Tiredness.

Atropine Precautions

Do not use Atropine if you are allergic to Atropine Sulfate or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you have high pressure in your eyes (glaucoma); have a condition where the opening between the stomach and small intestine thickens; have an enlarged prostate gland; have urine problems; have certain heart conditions; bowel problems. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have heart problems; indigestion; fever; high blood pressure; asthma; muscle weakness; lung disease; are pregnant or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Atropine and other medications such as ketoconazole, some antidepressants etc. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Atropine can decrease sweating, and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Do I need a prescription to order Atropine?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Atropine.