Atropine Patient Guide: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Atropine is an anticholinergic medicine available as eye drops, tablets, and an injection. It is used to dilate the pupil, relax eye focusing, slow a very fast heart rate, reduce secretions, and treat certain types of poisoning.
Atropine can be helpful, but it may cause blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion, or overheating. Use only the prescribed form and dose, and ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A03BA01
- RxNorm
- 1223
- Generic
- Atropine
- Class
- atc-a03
- Brands
- Donnatal, Phenohytro, Motofen, Lomotil, Atropen, Duodote, Isopto Atropine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, tablet, solution, ointment
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly needed
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid close to delivery if possible
may cause fetal tachycardia
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for anticholinergic effects including decreased sweating, fever, constipation
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses
increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects, monitor for confusion, sedation, urinary retention
close monitoring for CNS and anticholinergic adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants toddlersweight-based dosing required
use with extreme caution due to risk of hyperthermia, avoid in febrile children
monitor temperature closely, watch for decreased sweating
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing, do not exceed adult dose
use with caution, risk of hyperthermia in hot environments
monitor body temperature
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment typically needed
standard dosing typically safe
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution, may require dose adjustment
monitor for prolonged anticholinergic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
may require lower doses, monitor for effects
monitor clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction recommended
use with extreme caution, start with low dose
close monitoring for extended effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval for emergency cardiac use
Atropine approved for symptomatic bradycardia
Drug class
ATC code: S01FA01 (ophthalmic), A03BB01 (GI antispasmodic)
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Black Box Warning
Safety warning information
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy