Atropine – House Officer Guide

Atropine

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Last Updated on August 19, 2026

Table of Contents

Preparation

IV: 1 mg/mL

Mechanism of action

Competitive, reversible Antimuscarinic agent

Uses

• Bradycardia
• To reduce salivation / bronchial secretion
• Antidote for organophosphorous poisoning

Doses

Bradycardia (adult)

First bolus 1 mg, then every 3 – 5 mins (maximum = 3 mg total, i.e. 3 times)

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If given as 0.5 mg each time, then maximum is 6 times

Side effects

• Hypersensitivity
• Lack of sweating
•Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Tachycardia

Q&A

Why maximum dose of atropine is 3 mg?

To avoid the detrimental effects of Atropine -induced tachycardia on myocardial oxygen demand [ref]

Larger doses may produce CNS effects e.g. restless, tremor, fatigue, delirium, hallucination, medullary paralysis [ref]

Reference

https://www.rxlist.com/ atropine -side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470551/