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Atropine

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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)

African Grey ParrotBall PythonBearded DragonCat (Domestic)Cattle (Beef/Dairy)Dog (Domestic)Guinea PigHorse (Equine)Rabbit (Domestic)Swine (Pig)

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

Moderate×8Strong×9Extrapolated×2

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

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Calculate Dosage for Atropine