Atropine Injection

What is this medication?

ATROPINE (A troe peen) is used during surgery to help your breathing and heart rate stay steady and dry up extra saliva or mucus. It may also be used to treat a slow heartbeat. It can be used to treat insecticide or mushroom poisoning.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atropen

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Glaucoma
• Lung disease
• Prostate problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to atropine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein, under the skin, or into a muscle. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. In rare cases, it may be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label.

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 care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital or pentobarbital
• Ipratropium
• Mexiletine
• Pralidoxime

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. If you have received this medication for poisoning, seek emergency medical care right away.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Trouble passing urine

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

• Blurry vision
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Sensitivity to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.