Atropine injection

What is this medicine?

ATROPINE (A troe peen) can help treat many conditions. This medicine is used to reduce saliva and fluid in the respiratory tract during surgery. It is also used to treat insecticide or mushroom poisoning. It can be used in an emergency to treat a slow heartbeat.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, vein, or under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. It should only be given by persons who have training in the signs and treatment of nerve agent or insecticide poisoning.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxiety, nervousness

• changes in vision

• confusion

• fast or slow heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• hallucinations

• memory loss

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• slurred speech

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dry mouth

• flushing or redness of face or skin within 15 to 20 minutes after the injection

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• atomoxetine

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital

• benztropine

• donepezil

• ephedra

• galantamine

• glutethimide

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

• medicines for Parkinson's disease

• pralidoxime

• rivastigmine

• some medicines for congestion, cold, or allergy

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

• tacrine

• tegaserod

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• closed-angle glaucoma

• heart disease, or previous heart attack

• kidney disease

• prostate trouble

• stomach obstruction

• an unusual or allergic reaction to atropine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Side effects may occur even though you are no longer using this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you are still experiencing side effects after several days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat. This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.