Name of Drug Classification and Indication and Side Effects or Adverse Nursing Responsibilities

(Dosage, Route, Mechanism of Action Contraindication Reactions

Frequency, Timing)

Generic Name: Classification: CNS: Headache, ataxia, Observe the 10 rights of

ATROPINE SULFATE 1 autonomic nervous Indication: Adjunct in dizziness, excitement, medication.
mg/1amp system agent; symptomatic treatment of irritability, convulsions,
anticholinergic (para- GI disorders (e.g., peptic drowsiness, fatigue, Monitor vital signs. HR is a
Brand Name: sympatholytic); ulcer, pylorospasm, GI weakness; mental sensitive indicator of
Atropair antimuscarinic hypermotility, irritable depression, confusion, patient's response to atropine.
bowel syndrome) and disorientation, Be alert to changes in
Dosage: 0.5–1 mg spastic disorders of hallucinations. CV: quality, rate, and rhythm of
Mechanism of Action: biliary tract. Relaxes Hypertension or HR and respiration and to
Acts by selectively upper GI tract and colon hypotension, ventricular changes in BP and
Route: IVTT blocking all muscarinic during hypotonic tachycardia, palpitation, temperature.
responses to radiography. Ophthalmic paradoxical
acetylcholine (ACh), Use: To produce bradycardia, AV Initial paradoxical
Frequency: q1–2h prn whether excitatory or mydriasis and dissociation, atrial or bradycardia following IV
inhibitory. Selective cycloplegia before ventricular fibrillation. atropine usually lasts only 1–
depression of CNS refraction and for GI: Dry mouth with 2 min; it most likely occurs
relieves rigidity and treatment of anterior thirst, dysphagia, loss of when IV is administered
tremor of Parkinson's uveitis and iritis. taste; nausea, vomiting, slowly (more than 1 min) or
syndrome. Antisecretory Preoperative Use: To constipation, delayed when small doses (less than
action (vagolytic effect) suppress salivation, gastric emptying, antral 0.5 mg) are used. Postural
suppresses sweating, perspiration, and stasis, paralytic ileus. hypotension occurs when
lacrimation, salivation, respiratory tract Urogenital: Urinary patient ambulates too soon
and secretions from secretions; to reduce hesitancy and retention, after parenteral
nose, mouth, pharynx, incidence of dysuria, impotence. administration.
and bronchi. Blocks laryngospasm, reflex Skin: Flushed, dry skin;
vagal impulses to heart bradycardia arrhythmia, anhidrosis, rash, Note: Frequent and
with resulting decrease and hypotension during urticaria, contact continued use of eye
in AV conduction time, general anesthesia. dermatitis, allergic preparations, as well as
increase in heart rate and Cardiac Uses: For sinus conjunctivitis, fixed- overdosage, can have
systemic effects. Some
cardiac output, and bradycardia or asystole
shortened PR interval. during CPR or that is
induced by drugs or toxic
substances (e.g.,
pilocarpine, beta-
adrenergic blockers,
organophosphate
pesticides, and Amanita
mushroom poisoning);
for management of
selected patients with
symptomatic sinus
bradycardia and
associated hypotension
and ventricular
irritability; for diagnosis
of sinus node dysfunction
and in evaluation of
coronary artery disease
during atrial pacing
drug eruption. Special atropine deaths have resulted
Senses: Mydriasis, from systemic absorption
blurred vision, following ocular
photophobia, increased administration in infants and
intraocular pressure, children.
cycloplegia, eye
dryness, local redness. Monitor I&O, especially in
older adults and patients who
have had surgery (drug may
contribute to urinary
retention). Palpate lower
abdomen for distention.
Have patient void before
giving atropine.

Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity to
belladonna alkaloids;
synechiae; angle-closure
glaucoma; parotitis;
obstructive uropathy,
e.g., bladder neck
obstruction caused by
prostatic hypertrophy;
intestinal atony, paralytic
ileus, obstructive diseases
of GI tract, severe
ulcerative colitis, toxic
megacolon; tachycardia
secondary to cardiac
insufficiency or
thyrotoxicosis; acute
hemorrhage; myasthenia
gravis. Safety during
pregnancy (category C)
or lactation is not
established.