Health Library

Atropine (By injection)

Atropine (AT-roe-peen)

Treats heart rhythm problems, stomach or bowel problems, and certain types of poisoning (including nerve agent or insecticide poisoning). Also used before surgery to decrease saliva.

Brand Name(s):

Atropen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
• Atropen®: Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. It is usually given in the outer thigh.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give this medicine to yourself or another person. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how atropine works. Tell your doctor if you are using pralidoxime or barbiturates.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, glaucoma, lung problems (including asthma), stomach or bowel problems (including GERD, ulcerative colitis, blockage, pyloric stenosis), or trouble urinating (including bladder blockage).
• Older adults may be more likely to have some of the side effects of this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart problems
  • Eye or vision problems (including glaucoma)
  • Urinary retention (trouble passing urine or not fully emptying the bladder)
  • Stomach or bowel problems (including blockage)
  • Lung or breathing problems
• This medicine may make you sweat less, which can cause your body temperature to rise. Be careful when you exercise and during hot weather. You could overheat or get heat stroke.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, dry eyes, eyes being more sensitive to light
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, pain while urinating
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Confusion, headache
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Decreased sweating
• Fast, pounding, uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024