Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that works by blocking the effect of vagal stimulation on the heart, leading to an increased heart rate. It is administered via intramuscular injection and reaches peak plasma concentration within 30 minutes, with effects lasting 4-6 hours. Atropine is metabolized in the liver and can interact with other anticholinergic drugs to increase both therapeutic and adverse effects. It is contraindicated in conditions affecting the heart, gastrointestinal system, eyes, prostate, and during pregnancy or febrile illnesses.

1. ATROPINE
Large doses block the effect of vagal
stimulation on the sino-atrial node and
atrio-ventricular junction, which leads
to an increase in heart rate

2. ATROPINE
IM administration – peak plasma
concentration is reached within
30mins.
Duration of action is 4-6 hours
Metabolised primarily in the liver

3. ATROPINE
Drug interactions
Increases the therapeutic as well as
adverse effect of anticholinergic drugs
such as tricyclic anti-depressants and
phenothiazines

4. ATROPINE
Contraindications
Myasthenia gravis, severe cardiac disease, GI
obstructive disease
Narrow-angle glaucoma, acute haemorrhage,
prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention,
Pyloric obstruction
Ulcerative colitis
Toxaemia of pregnancy and febrile conditions
Debilitated patients with intestinal atony or paralytic
ileus

5. REFERENCE
Knights, K & Kathleen, B 2011, Pharmacology for health
professionals, Chapter 12, Elsevier, Chatswood, Australia.