Atropine is an anticholinergic medicine. It blocks the nerve signals that slow the heart and tighten muscles, and it widens the pupil when used in the eye.

What Atropine Is Used For

Slow heart rate (bradycardia) in emergencies
Reducing saliva and secretions before surgery
Antidote for organophosphate pesticide poisoning, in hospital
Dilating the pupil and relaxing focus for eye examination and treatment
Lazy eye treatment and some eye inflammation, as eye drops

Common Side Effects

Dry mouth
Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
Fast heartbeat
Flushing
Difficulty passing urine

Precautions

Atropine injections are used by healthcare professionals. Atropine eye drops blur vision for some time, so do not drive until it clears. Avoid it if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, and keep eye drops away from young children, as swallowing them can be dangerous.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.