atropine
Pronunciation: AT-roe-peen
An anticholinergic medication used to increase heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia by blocking vagal stimulation.
Full Definition
Atropine is a naturally occurring anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic receptors, thereby inhibiting parasympathetic nervous system effects on the heart. In emergency cardiology, it is primarily used to treat symptomatic bradycardia by increasing heart rate and improving cardiac output. The medication works by blocking vagal tone at the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. Typical dosing in cardiac emergencies is 0.5-1.0 mg intravenously, which may be repeated. Atropine is contraindicated in certain types of heart block and may be ineffective in complete heart block or when bradycardia is caused by intrinsic cardiac disease.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify route and dose in clinical documentation; distinguish from other emergency cardiac medications.
In Context
- "Atropine 0.5 mg was administered intravenously for symptomatic sinus bradycardia." — Emergency treatment protocol
- "The patient's heart rate improved from 38 to 65 bpm following atropine administration." — Nursing documentation