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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Emergency

Routes

IVIMSC

Indications

BradycardiaCPR protocolorganophosphate toxicityOrganophosphate toxicosisOrganophosphate/carbamate toxicityPre-anestheticPre-anesthetic (rabbits without atropinase)Pre-anesthetic anticholinergicreduce secretions

Mechanism of Action

Competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist. Increases heart rate (vagolytic), reduces secretions, and mydriasis.

Side effects & warnings

Tachycardia, ileus, urinary retention. Increases myocardial oxygen demand. Rabbits have high atropinase activity — may need higher/more frequent doses or use glycopyrrolate instead.

Species with Atropine dosing data (19 dose rules)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugsAll Swine (Pig) drugs

Evidence levels across 19 dose rules

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 3 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
  • · RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Sample dosing (2 of 19 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 10 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IM0.02–0.04 mg/kgonceStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV0.02–0.04 mg/kgq15-20minStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Other formulations of Atropine