enously. The average adult dose is 0.5 mg (5 mL of a 0.1 mg/mL solution), range 0.4 to 0.6 mg (4 to 6 mL). As an antisialogogue it is usually injected intramuscularly prior to induction of anesthesia. This produces only minimal blocking of vagal activity. In children, the dosage ranges from 0.1 mg in the newborn to 0.6 mg (6 mL of a 0.1 mg/mL solution) in a child age 12 years, injected subcutaneously 30 minutes before surgery. During surgery, the drug is given intravenously when reduction in pulse rate and cessation of cardiac action are due to increased vagal activity; however, if the anesthetic is cyclopropane, doses less than 0.4 mg should be used and should be given slowly to avoid the possible production of ventricular arrhythmia. Usual doses are used to reduce severe bradycardia and syncope associated with hyperactive carotid sinus reflex. For bradyarrhythmias the usual intravenous adult dosage ranges from 0.4 to 1 mg (4 to 10 mL of a 0.1 mg/mL solution) every one to two hours as needed; larger doses up to a maximum of 2 mg may be required. In children, intravenous dosage ranges from 0.01 to 0.03 mg per kg of body weight. Atropine is also a specific antidote for cardiovascular collapse resulting from injudicious administration of choline ester. When cardiac arrest has occurred, external cardiac massage or other method of resuscitation is required to distribute the drug after intravenous injection.
In anticholinesterase poisoning from exposure to insecticides, large doses of at least 2 to 3 mg (20 to 30 mL of a 0.1 mg/mL solution) should be administered parenterally and repeated until signs of Atropine intoxication appear. In the “rapid” type of mushroom poisoning, Atropine should be given in doses sufficient to control parasympathomimetic signs before coma and cardiovascular collapse supervene.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
How is Atropine Supplied
Atropine Sulfate Injection, USP is supplied in single-dose containers as follows:
|
List No.
|
Needle
|
Size
|
Conc.
|
Total Content
(Atropine) |
|
LifeShield® Abboject Unit of Use Syringe with male luer lock adapter and protected needle
|
|
4910
|
20-G
|
5 mL
|
0.1 mg/mL
(Adult)
|
0.5 mg
|
|
4911
|
20-G
|
10 mL
|
0.1 mg/mL
(Adult)
|
1 mg
|
Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Revised: February, 2007
Printed in USA |
