Atropine
Prescription neededEmergency and antidotes
Comes as:InjectionEye drops
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. It is used in hospital for a very slow heartbeat, for organophosphate pesticide poisoning (large repeated doses), and before some operations. Eye drops are used to widen the pupil.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- dry mouth
- fast heartbeat
- blurred vision
- flushed hot skin
- difficulty passing urine
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- confusion or hallucinations
- very high body temperature
- very fast heartbeat
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
- Bowel blockage
- Myasthenia gravis
- In poisoning emergencies the doctor decides
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Trihexyphenidyl
Both have anticholinergic effects; together they increase confusion, fast heartbeat and urine retention.