Atropine

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.

Atropine competitively blocks the effects of acetylcholine, including excess acetylcholine due to organophosphorus poisoning, at muscarinic cholinergic receptors on smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, secretory gland cells, and in peripheral autonomic ganglia and the central nervous system.

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. Dosage is dependent on weight. 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. Dosage for Severe Symptoms: If the patient is either unconscious or has any of the severe symptoms, immediately administer three injections intramuscularly into the patient's mid-lateral thigh in rapid succession.

None. None.

Cardiovascular (CV) Risks: Tachycardia, palpitations, premature ventricular contractions, flutter, fibrillation, etc. Use caution in patients with known CV disease or conduction problems. Heat Injury: May inhibit sweating and lead to hyperthermia, avoid excessive exercising and heat exposure. Acute Glaucoma: May precipitate in susceptible individuals. Urinary Retention: May precipitate in patient with bladder outflow obstruction. Pyloric Stenosis: May precipitate complete obstruction. 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. Hypersensitivity: Atropine may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Risks Heat Injury Acute Glaucoma Urinary Retention Pyloric Stenosis Exacerbation of Chronic Lung Disease Hypersensitivity The following adverse reactions associated with the use of atropine were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Mild to moderate pain may be experienced at the site of injection. Common adverse reactions of atropine include dryness of mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, photophobia, confusion, headache, dizziness, tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, urinary hesitance or retention, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, loss of libido, and impotency.

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. Barbiturates: Atropine may potentiate the effect of barbiturates.

Store between 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF), excursions permitted between 15ºC and 30ºC (between 59ºF and 86ºF). Keep from freezing. Protect from light.