An appropriate atropine dose can depend on why a patient needs the medication, and the patient’s age and weight. This drug is potentially very dangerous and it is important to calculate dosage with care. Numerous manufacturers produce it in preloaded syringes with standardized doses to make it easier to administer safely and effectively. Medical professionals may coordinate with each other to make sure patients do not receive double doses. Patients taking the medication should report any side effects they experience, as these can be a sign of toxicity.
One use for atropine is in certain types of cardiac events where the heart starts to beat too slowly. Atropine can inhibit the action of the vagus nerve to make the heart beat more quickly. The medication is also used in the treatment of certain types of poisoning, particularly with organophosphate nerve agents and mushrooms. Patients with excessive bronchial secretions may also be given an atropine dose to keep their airways clear.
For adults, an initial dose of atropine can range from 0.5 milligrams to 6, depending on the situation. Care providers may err on the side of caution with a low dose to protect the patient. For cardiac issues, 0.5 to 1 milligram is standard, while poisonings can require higher doses. The atropine dose can be repeated if the patient doesn’t respond, with monitoring to check for side effects. In cardiac cases, the total dose shouldn’t exceed 3 milligrams.
Pediatric patients need lower doses because of their much smaller size. Care providers may prefer to calculate based on weight, and may start with 0.01 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. In addition to being smaller, children also tend to be more sensitive to atropine and are more likely to develop toxicity when they take the medication. This is a concern when caring for children who may already be in an acute medical crisis.
Elevated heart rate is a common side effect of the drug. Patients can also experience dizziness and dry mouth. An atropine dose is commonly administered in a medical setting where it is possible to monitor the patient’s heart and respiration and check for dangerous side effects. This allows care teams to intervene quickly if a problem develops. Patients who notice problems when taking an atropine dose at home, or after being discharged, can call a nursing hotline to determine if they need to see a care provider for treatment.