Atropine
Generic Name: atropine
Brand Names:
Atropen Auto-injector
11 DESCRIPTION Each prefilled ATROPEN single-dose autoinjector provides an intramuscular dose of atropine, a cholinergic muscarinic antagonist in a self-contained unit, designed for self- or caregiver-administration. When activated, the ATROPEN 0.25 mg autoinjector delivers 0.21 mg atropine base (equivalent to 0.25 mg atropine sulfate) in 0.3 mL of sterile pyrogen-free solution containing citrate buffer, sodium chloride, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 4.0 to 5.0.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Each prefilled ATROPEN single-dose autoinjector provides an intramuscular dose of atropine, a cholinergic muscarinic antagonist in a self-contained unit, designed for self- or caregiver-administration. When activated, the ATROPEN 0.25 mg autoinjector delivers 0.21 mg atropine base (equivalent to 0.25 mg atropine sulfate) in 0.3 mL of sterile pyrogen-free solution containing citrate buffer, sodium chloride, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 4.0 to 5.0.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ATROPEN is indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adult and pediatric patients. ATROPEN is a cholinergic muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adult and pediatric patients. ( 1 )
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ATROPEN is a single-dose autoinjector intended as an initial treatment of the muscarinic symptoms of insecticide or nerve agent poisonings; definitive medical care should be sought immediately. ( 2.1 ) Dosage is dependent on weight. ( 2.2 ) Dosage for Mild Symptoms: If the patient experiences two or more mild symptoms, administer one injection intramuscularly into the mid-lateral thigh. If, at any time after the first dose, the patient develops any of the severe symptoms, administer two additional injections intramuscularly in rapid succession.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Risks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Heat Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Acute Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Urinary Retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Pyloric Stenosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Exacerbation of Chronic Lung Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of atropine were identified in the literature.
Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Pralidoxime: The signs of atropinization (flushing, mydriasis, tachycardia, dryness of the mouth and nose) may occur earlier than might be expected than when atropine is used alone. ( 7.1 ) Barbiturates: Atropine may potentiate the effect of barbiturates. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Pralidoxime When atropine and pralidoxime are used together, the signs of atropinization (flushing, mydriasis, tachycardia, dryness of the mouth and nose) may occur earlier than might be expected when atropine is used alone because pralidoxime may potentiate the effect of atropine. Excitement and manic behavior immediately following recovery of consciousness have been reported in several cases.
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiovascular (CV) Risks: Tachycardia, palpitations, premature ventricular contractions, flutter, fibrillation, etc. Use caution in patients with known CV disease or conduction problems. ( 5.1 ) Heat Injury: May inhibit sweating and lead to hyperthermia; avoid excessive exercising and heat exposure. ( 5.2 ) Acute Glaucoma: May precipitate in susceptible individuals. ( 5.3 ) Urinary Retention: May precipitate in patient with bladder outflow obstruction. ( 5.4 ) Pyloric Stenosis: May precipitate complete obstruction. ( 5.5 ) Exacerbation of Chronic Lung Disease: Atropine may cause inspissation of bronchial secretions and formation of dangerous viscid plugs in individuals with chronic lung disease; monitor respiratory status. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Atropine readily crosses the placental barrier and enters fetal circulation. There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of atropine in pregnant women. Adequate animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with atropine. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Storage
16.2 Storage and Handling Store between 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted between 15ºC and 30ºC (between 59ºF and 86ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Not made with natural rubber latex. Keep from freezing. Protect from light. After the ATROPEN autoinjector has been activated, the empty container should be disposed of properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atropine used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ATROPEN is indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adult and pediatric patients. ATROPEN is a cholinergic muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adult and pediatric patients. ( 1 )
What are the side effects of Atropine?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Risks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Heat Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Acute Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Urinary Retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Pyloric Stenosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Exacerbation of Chronic Lung Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of atropine were identified in the literature.
Can I take Atropine during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Atropine readily crosses the placental barrier and enters fetal circulation. There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of atropine in pregnant women. Adequate animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with atropine. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
What are the important warnings for Atropine?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiovascular (CV) Risks: Tachycardia, palpitations, premature ventricular contractions, flutter, fibrillation, etc. Use caution in patients with known CV disease or conduction problems. ( 5.1 ) Heat Injury: May inhibit sweating and lead to hyperthermia; avoid excessive exercising and heat exposure. ( 5.2 ) Acute Glaucoma: May precipitate in susceptible individuals. ( 5.3 ) Urinary Retention: May precipitate in patient with bladder outflow obstruction. ( 5.4 ) Pyloric Stenosis: May precipitate complete obstruction. ( 5.5 ) Exacerbation of Chronic Lung Disease: Atropine may cause inspissation of bronchial secretions and formation of dangerous viscid plugs in individuals with chronic lung disease; monitor respiratory status. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.