Drug Information
Generic Name:
Atropine
Pronunciation:
AH-trow-peen
Product Name:
Atropine Sulfate Injection, USP
Category:
Antidysrhythmic Drugs
How is it given?:
intravenous (IV)
Uses:
Very slow heart rates
Comment:
Atropine is most often given IV in the ICU to speed up the heart in certain heart rhythm disturbances. Its use is usually only short term. If the heart problem is not quickly corrected a heart pacemaker is often required. Atropine has a variety of other uses. It is used to decrease lung secretions prior to surgery, in treatment of certain disorders of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts and to dilate the pupils.