Brand name Minims Atropine
Used in the following combined preparations Co-phenotrope, Isopto Atropine, Lomotil
General Information
Atropine is an anticholinergic drug. Because of its antispasmodic action, which relaxes the muscle wall of the intestine, the drug has been used to relieve abdominal cramps in irritable bowel syndrome. Atropine may also be prescribed in combination with diphenoxylate, an antidiarrhoeal drug. However, this combination can be dangerous in overdosage, particularly in young children.
Atropine eye drops, used to enlarge the pupil during eye examinations, are part of the treatment for uveitis. The drug may be part of the premedication before a general anaesthetic. It is occasionally injected to restore normal heart beat in heart block.
Quick Reference
Drug group – Anticholinergic drug for irritable bowel syndrome and mydriatic drug.
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Information for users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection, eye ointment, eye drops.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once only, or up to 4 times daily according to condition (eye drops); as directed (other forms).
Adult dosage range
1-2 drops as directed (eye drops); as directed (other forms).
Onset of effect
Varies according to method of administration. Eye drops: 30 minutes.
Duration of action
7 days or longer (eye drops); several hours (other forms).
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor.
Overdose Action
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if palpitations, tremor, delirium, fits, or loss of consciousness occur.
See Drug poisoning emergency guide.
Possible Adverse Effects
The use of this drug is limited by the frequency of anticholinergic effects.
In addition to these effects, atropine eye drops may cause stinging.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have glaucoma.
You have urinary difficulties.
You have myasthenia gravis.
You have ulcerative colitis.
You wear contact lenses (eye drops).
You have heart problems or high blood pressure.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your
doctor.
Infants and children
Eye drops used in infants and young children. Combination with diphenoxylate not recommended under 4 years; reduced dose necessary in older children.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how atropine affects you because the drug can cause blurred vision and may impair concentration.
Alcohol
Alcohol increases the likelihood of impaired concentration.
Interactions
Anticholinergic drugs
Atropine increases the risk of side effects from drugs that also have anticholinergic effects.
Ketoconazole
Atropine reduces the absorption of this drug from the digestive tract. Increased dose may be necessary.
