Atropine
Also known as: Atrocare, Minims Atropine
Atropine is often used in emergency situations to stabilize your pet's heart rate or as eye drops to dilate the pupil for examination. **Note on Eye Drops:** The ophthalmic solution has a very bitter taste. If the drops drain into the back of the throat, your cat or dog may drool excessively. This is a normal reaction to the taste and is not a sign of toxicity. Protect your pet's eyes from bright light while their pupils are dilated.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Ophthalmic (mydriasis)
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Organophosphate poisoning
- Neuromuscular blockade antagonism
- Ophthalmic (mydriasis)
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Organophosphate poisoning
- Neuromuscular blockade antagonism
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sinus tachycardia
- Blurred vision (due to mydriasis)
- Drying of bronchial secretions
- Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Reduced tear production
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Hypersalivation (especially in cats, due to bitter taste of ophthalmic drops)
- Ileus (rare in small animals)
- Vomiting (rare in small animals)
Cautions & contraindications
- Glaucoma
- Lens luxation
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS / dry eye)
- Atropine has a **slow onset of action** (10 min IM, 2-3 min IV); therefore, it is important to wait for an adequate period of time for the desired effect before redosing. > **Clinical Pearl:** The ophthalmic solution tastes very bitter. If it drains through the nasolacrimal duct into the mouth, it can cause profound hypersalivation, particularly in cats and some dogs. Blurred vision from mydriasis may worsen recovery from anaesthesia.
Drug interactions
- Bromides, iodides, sodium bicarbonate, alkalis, noradrenaline: Incompatible when mixed together
- Antihistamines: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Pethidine: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Benzodiazepines: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Phenothiazines: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Thiazide diuretics: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Sympathomimetics: May enhance the activity of atropine
- Alpha-2 agonists: Combining is not recommended
- Amitraz: May aggravate toxicity signs, leading to hypertension and gut stasis
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Additive anticholinergic effects
- Alpha-2 Agonists (e.g., Dexmedetomidine): May cause paradoxical hypertension and significantly increased myocardial workload; concurrent use is generally discouraged
Frequently asked questions
What is Atropine used for in pets?
Atropine is often used in emergency situations to stabilize your pet's heart rate or as eye drops to dilate the pupil for examination. **Note on Eye Drops:** The ophthalmic solution has a very bitter taste. If the drops drain into the back of the throat, your cat or dog may drool excessively. This is a normal reaction to the taste and is not a sign of toxicity. Protect your pet's eyes from bright light while their pupils are dilated.
Is Atropine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app