Pharmacology Made Easy: Atropine Medication Information Table PDF

Pharmacology Made Easy Medication Information Table Atropine Category Information THERAPEUTIC USE Treat symptomatic bradycardia (altered mental status, hypotension,...

Pharmacology Made Easy Medication Information Table Atropine Category Information THERAPEUTIC USE Treat symptomatic bradycardia (altered mental status, hypotension, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, fainting, or shortness of breath d/t HR less than 60/min) Prior to surgery to dry up respiratory tract secretions Antidote for pesticide or chemical warfare agent poisoning Treat bronchospasm and antispasmodic Anticholinergic medication: competitively inhibits cholinergic receptors (blocks acetylcholine) in the GI tract, lung smooth muscle, sweat glands, heart, and eyes Inhibits the parasympathetic system; therefore, existing sympathetic stimulation can increase, leading to increased HR and cardiac output ADVERSE DRUG Tachycardia and paradoxical bradycardia REACTIONS Hypotension, hypertension, atrial or ventricular fibrillation, spasms of the larynx, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, decreased gastric motility, constipation, headache, drowsiness, sedation, respiratory depression, dizziness, disorientation, and hallucinations INTERVENTIONS Monitor heart rate and rhythm for tachycardia and paradoxical bradycardia. Monitor for increased anticholinergic effects if taking other anticholinergics. Prepare to give other medications (dopamine or epinephrine infusions) and/or receive transcutaneous pacing if atropine is not effective. ADMINISTRATION Administered by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, endotracheal, or direct IV injection. For severe bradycardia, IV bolus is the preferred route. Dose is 1 mg IV bolus that can be repeated every 3 to 5 min, up to 3 mg. Give bolus rapidly to prevent a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. CLIENT INSTRUCTIONS During administration, explain what is being given and continuous monitoring will occur. Instruct client to report dizziness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing immediately to determine if they are improving or not. Copyright ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C. All rights reserved. This resource is copyright protected material of ATI and is provided for use solely under license by ATI. Copying, distributing, or posting this material on the internet or social media is strictly prohibited. Posting on institution LMS requires ATI’s prior written permission.  PAGE 1 www.atitesting.com ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C.  Pharmacology Made Easy: Medication Information Table Atropine Category Information CONTRAINDICATIONS In life-threatening situations, atropine is not contraindicated. Atropine is contraindicated for clients who have a known hypersensitivity to atropine or have glaucoma, obstructive disorders (bladder, GI tract, prostate), myasthenia gravis, or tachycardia due to cardiac insufficiency. Do not give to clients who had a heart transplant because atropine is ineffective due to loss of nerve supply to the sinus node. PRECAUTIONS Give atropine with caution for clients who have COPD or heart disorders (CAD, MI, heart failure, tachycardia, or hypertension) because atropine can increase HR, cardiac workload, and worsen the heart conditions. INTERACTIONS Additive effects from other medications like anticholinergics, antiparkinsonian, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, meperidine, phenothiazines, procainamide, and tricyclic antidepressants. If the client is taking digoxin, the blood digoxin levels can increase. Physostigmine is the reversal agent for atropine or anticholinergic toxicity.  PAGE 2 www.atitesting.com ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C.