- Excessive mucus production
- Excessive saliva production
- Spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and biliary tract
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Excessive stomach and acid production
- Peptic ulcers
- Spastic bladder
- Infant colic
- Renal and biliary colic
- Parkinson's disease
- Certain heart disorders
- Laughing and crying episodes caused by brain tumors
- Poisoning caused by organophosphate insecticides and nerve gases
Atropine is in a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It works by blocking the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps move electrical impulses among nerve cells.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine is also available in an eye drop form to treat certain ophthalmic conditions.It can be used before eye exams to widen the pupil of the eye, or to help disorders such as uveitis.
Atropine Warnings
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Thyroid problems
- Liver disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- High blood pressure
- An irregular heartbeat or any type of heart disease
- Hiatal hernia
- Reflux disease
- An enlarged prostate
- Asthma, chronic lung disease, or allergies
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine.
Don't take atropine if you have:
- Difficulty urinating or a blockage in your urinary tract
- Kidney disease
- A blockage in your intestines
- Severe ulcerative colitis
- Glaucoma (an eye condition)
- Myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune neuromuscular disease)
Pregnancy and Atropine
It's not known whether atropine can harm an unborn baby.Don't take this medicine if you're pregnant without first talking to a doctor.
Also, don't take the drug if you're breastfeeding without first telling your physician.
It's not known whether atropine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a breastfeeding infant.
Atropine Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Atropine
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness or nervousness
- Blurred vision, large pupils, or sensitivity to bright light
- Nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Changes in taste
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sweating
Serious Side Effects of Atropine
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:- An irregular or fast heart rate
- Rash or flushing
- Eye pain
- Fever
- Irritability or mental confusion
- Difficulty urinating
- An allergic reaction, which may include swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, hives, or difficulty breathing
Atropine Interactions
- Belladonna (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
- Bronchodilators such as ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent) or tiotropium (Spiriva)
- Digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
- Glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
- Mepenzolate (Cantil)
- Bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare)
- Irritable bowel medicines such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
Atropine and Other Interactions
This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision.Use caution when driving or operating machinery.
Atropine and Alcohol
Consuming alcohol while taking atropine may increase your risk of experiencing drowsiness or dizziness.Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction.
Atropine Dosage
Your dose will depend on your medical condition.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking atropine. Don't take more or less of the drug than is prescribed.
If you're using the eye dropper, wash your hands before and after use.
If you're using the oral form of atropine, take it with a full glass of water.
Atropine Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Missed Dose of Atropine
If you miss a dose of atropine, take it as soon as you remember.However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Atropine Pictures
