Atropine sulfate is an alkaloid extracted from plants that belong to the Solanaceae family of flowering plants and include Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura stramonium (jimsonweed) and Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). Mostly used in its sulfate salt form, atropine is the prototypical muscarinic blocking agent.¹

Atropine sulfate is well-absorbed after oral administration, IM injection, inhalation, or endotracheal administration. After IV administration, peak effects in heart rates occur within 3 to 4 minutes. Atropine is well-distributed throughout the body and crosses into the CNS and placenta. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted into the urine. Approximately 30% to 50% of a dose is excreted unchanged into the urine.¹

Contraindications and Warnings

Atropine is contraindicated in animals that are hypersensitive to it or other anticholinergic drugs and in those with narrow-angle glaucoma, posterior synechiae, tachycardia secondary to thyrotoxicosis or cardiac insufficiency, myocardial ischemia, hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathy, unstable cardiac status during acute hemorrhage, asthma, and urine retention caused by bladder outlet obstruction (eg, prostatic hyperplasia).² Atropine is also contraindicated in the treatment of poisoning with isoxazole mushrooms that contain muscimol and/or ibotenic acid. Atropine’s pharmacologic actions are similar to ibotenic acid and may worsen clinical signs of isoxazole mushroom poisoning.^1,3

Where to buy Atropine Sulfate

Atropine sulfate is available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

This product carries many potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹nih.gov.

³ema.europe.eu.