Atropine Sulfate
Atropine Sulfate is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls muscle contraction and glandular secretions. It is primarily used in emergency settings to treat bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), reduce salivation and respiratory secretions during surgery, and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning. Additionally, it is used ophthalmologically to dilate the pupils for eye examinations.
Atropine Sulfate is an anticholinergic drug used to increase heart rate, reduce secretions, and dilate pupils.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 153971
- Generic
- Atropine Sulfate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- Donnatal, Phenohytro, Motofen, Lomotil, Atropen, Isopto Atropine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Atropine is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia and heart block, as an antisialagogue during anesthesia, as an antidote for organophosphate or mushroom poisoning, and ophthalmically for uveitis and eye examinations requiring pupil dilation.
Atropine competitively blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors throughout the body, preventing acetylcholine from binding and exerting its effects on smooth muscle, cardiac tissue, and exocrine glands.
Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Can cause tachycardia, dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. Contraindicated in narrow-angle glaucoma and myasthenia gravis (except for certain uses). Dosing varies significantly by indication and route of administration.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy