Atropine Sulphate 6mg Injection

Atropine Sulphate injection is a prescription medication containing atropine sulphate. It is used in cardiac arrest to restore normal heart rhythm. It is also used before giving a patient general anaesthesia to reduce saliva and other body secretions.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdosage include palpitation, pupil dilation, trouble in swallowing, dry skin and excessive thirst, disorientation, restlessness, fatigue, vomiting, rash on the face or upper part of the body, high blood pressure, hallucinations, etc. Seek medical help immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a doctor's appointment for the injection, you should make another one immediately and notify your doctor of the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Atropine sulphate counteracts the effects of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine in the body by blocking it in parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Some of the effects of acetylcholine release in the body, such as slowing of heart rate, muscle contraction and increased secretions, are blocked. Hence, this medicine is useful in conditions where these effects pose a problem to the normal functioning of the body, e.g. heart attacks.

Directions for Use

• Do not inject the vaccine by yourself
• A competent nurse or doctor will administer the vaccine to you in a clinic that is well-equipped to handle any allergic reactions that may develop
• The dosage and timing of administration will be determined by the doctor
• If you feel extreme discomfort after receiving the injection and experience symptoms like rising heart rate, rapid breathing, loss of coordination, rising body temperature, you must tell the doctor or the nurse immediately

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Is it safe to take the Atropine sulphate injection during pregnancy?

Atropine sulphate is able to pass through the placenta. The safety of atropine in human pregnancy is unknown due to a lack of evidence. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if the doctor deems it necessary.

Breast Feeding

Is it safe to take the Atropine sulphate injection while breastfeeding?

Atropine sulphate is secreted in breast milk, and infants who are breastfed may experience some of the medicine's side effects. The exact clinical effects are not known. Thus, atropine should only be taken during breastfeeding if absolutely necessary and after proper consultation with a doctor.

Driving

Can I drive after taking the Atropine sulphate injection?

The injection may cause drowsiness and blurred vision, which can affect the ability to drive. If you experience any such side effects, it is advised to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol after taking the Atropine sulphate injection?

It is not clear whether alcohol affects the efficiency of Atropine sulphate. Consult your doctor before drinking alcohol after taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have urinary problems
• You have diarrhoea or fever
• You have had heart failure or heart attack
• You suffer from heartburn
• You have had a heart transplant
• You suffer from high blood pressure
• You have an overly active thyroid gland
• You have a chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (a condition in which airflow to your lungs is restricted, causing you to cough and feel short of breath)

Contraindications

• History of hypersensitivity to atropine sulphate
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Severe digestive tract inflammation
• Neuromuscular disorders like Myasthenia gravis
• Obstruction of the opening between stomach and small intestine

Side effects

• Blurred vision
• Dryness of mouth
• Heartburn
• Rash
• Palpitation
• Constipation

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Atropine sulphate injection decreases absorption rate of mexiletine and ketoconazole due to reduced movement of the digestive tract and of the contents in the tract
• Effects of atropine may be enhanced if other medicines of a similar mode of action such as phenothiazines, amantadine, antidepressants, some antihistamines are given simultaneously
• Atropine may reduce the efficiency of medicines given sublingually, such as nitrates, by causing drying in the mouth
• During anaesthesia, the response of heart rate to atropine may be decreased if the patient is receiving propofol simultaneously because propofol suppresses part of the nervous system in the body

Storage and disposal

Protect the injection from light and store it at temperatures below 25°C. Ensure that the medicine is out of reach of children. Discard the injection after the expiry date given on the label of the carton has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will the side effects of the medicine subside after some time?

Common side effects like dry skin, mouth, rashes, etc., should subside after some time has passed. You should consult your doctor whenever you are in doubt or feel discomfort after taking this medication.

Is there any alternative to this medicine?

Atropine sulphate is used in emergency situations such as cardiac arrest or poisoning, in which case, it is critical that this medication is given on time in the form of an injection. Unless certain conditions in the body prohibit the use of Atropine sulphate, the medicine is safe to use and effective.

Does Atropine sulphate treat the disease or only relieve symptoms?

This medicine does not treat any diseases and is only used to temporarily relieve the patient's symptoms like salivation, muscle contraction, etc. until the further course of action can be determined.

I am scared of taking injections. Is there an alternative for it?

In emergency situations, this medicine in the form of injections acts fast and relieves the patient of symptoms quickly so that no further harm to the body is done. However, in other cases, you must inform your doctor if you are scared or have fainted before at the sight of an injection so that appropriate measures can be taken to make the process easier.