ATROPINE

Brand & Generic Names

ATROPINE

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Low strength: No High strength: Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antispasmodic, anticholinergic

Uses

• Reduces spasms of digestive system, bladder and urethra.
• Treatment of bronchial spasms.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Aerosol--Dilute in saline and inhale as nebulizer.

When to take:
30 minutes before meals (unless directed otherwise by doctor).

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Blocks nerve impulses at parasympathetic nerve endings, preventing muscle contractions and gland secretions of organs involved.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Antacids* or antidiarrheals*.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Dilated pupils, rapid pulse and breathing, dizziness, fever, hallucinations, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, flushed face, convulsions, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Confusion, delirium, rapid heartbeat.
• Nausea, vomiting, decreased sweating.
• Constipation.
• Dryness in ears, nose, throat, mouth.

Infrequent:

• Headache, difficult or painful urination, nasal congestion, altered taste.
• Lightheadedness.

Rare:

Rash or hives, eye pain, blurred vision, fever.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any anticholinergic.
• You have trouble with stomach bloating.
• You have difficulty emptying your bladder completely.
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma.
• You have severe ulcerative colitis.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have open-angle glaucoma.
• If you have angina.
• If you have chronic bronchitis or asthma.
• If you have liver, kidney or thyroid disease.
• If you have hiatal hernia.
• If you have enlarged prostate.
• If you have myasthenia gravis.
• If you have peptic ulcer.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk and decreases milk flow. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Chronic constipation, possible fecal impaction. Consult doctor immediately.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Use disqualifies you for piloting aircraft. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Amantadine	Increased atropine effect.
Anticholinergics,	Increased atropine
other*	effect.
Antidepressants,	Increased atropine
tricyclic (TCA)*	effect. Increased sedation.
Antihistamines*	Increased atropine effect.
Attapulgite	Decreased atropine effect.
Cortisone drugs*	Increased internal-eye pressure.
Disopyramide	Increased atropine effect.
Haloperidol	Increased internal-eye pressure.
Ketoconazole	Decreased ketoconazole effect.
MAO inhibitors*	Increased atropine effect.
Meperidine	Increased atropine effect.
Methylphenidate	Increased atropine effect.
Molindone	Increased anticholinergic effect.
Nitrates*	Increased internal-eye pressure.
Nizatidine	Increased nizatidine effect.
Orphenadrine	Increased atropine effect.
Phenothiazines*	Increased atropine effect.
Pilocarpine	Loss of pilocarpine effect in
	glaucoma treatment.
Potassium	Possible intestinal
supplements*	ulcers with oral potassium tablets.
Quinidine	Increased atropine effect.
Sedatives* or central	Increased
nervous system (CNS)	sedative effect of both drugs.
Vitamin C	Decreased atropine effect. Avoid
	large doses of vitamin C.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Excessively rapid heartbeat. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Drowsiness and dry mouth.
Tobacco:	None expected.