Atropine
500 micrograms IV for symptomatic bradycardia, up to 3 mg. In organophosphate poisoning, much larger, doubling doses until the chest is dry.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Symptomatic bradycardia | 500 micrograms IV, repeat every 3–5 minutes to max 3 mg |
| Organophosphate poisoning | 1.8–3 mg IV bolus, double the dose every 5 minutes until atropinised, then infusion of 10–20% of the total loading dose per hour |
| Children (bradycardia) | 20 micrograms/kg (min 100, max 600 micrograms) |
Signs of adequate atropinisation (OP poisoning)
Clear chest, pulse above 80, systolic BP above 80, dry armpits, pupils no longer pinpoint.
Cautions
- Too much: confusion, agitation, high temperature, urinary retention, no bowel sounds.
Frequently asked questions
How much atropine is given in organophosphate poisoning?
Start with 1.8–3 mg IV and double the dose every 5 minutes until the chest is clear and other signs of atropinisation appear.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Atropine is covered in our textbook chapter Cholinergic drugs, with practice MCQs.