MEDICATION-ATROPINE

1. Parasympathetic antagonist that increases HR by blocking vagal tone.

2. Indications: symptomatic bradycardia with haemodynamic compromise. A bradycardic patient with no pulse should be treated as for PEA.

3. SE: dysthymia, HTN, urinary retention, delirium, hyperthermia in large doses.

DOSAGE

4. Rapid boluses of 500-600 mcg every 3-5 min up to a maximum of 3 mg.

5. Do not give slowly or boluses < 500 mcg as this may irritate vagal fibres and cause a paradoxical reduction in HR.

6. Contraindicated in heart transplant patients as denervated hearts do not respond and may cause a heart block.