MDose · Veterinary drug reference
ATROPINE
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Preanesthetic (↓secretions), bradycardia/AV block, organophosphate/carbamate/muscarinic mushroom antidote, bronchoconstrictive disease, hypersialism
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Indications table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Preanesthetic (↓secretions), bradycardia/AV block, organophosphate/carbamate/muscarinic mushroom antidote, bronchoconstrictive disease, hypersialism — Labeled
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Indications table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Preanesthetic (↓secretions), bradycardia/AV block, organophosphate/carbamate/muscarinic mushroom antidote, bronchoconstrictive disease, hypersialism — Labeled
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Indications table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens6
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects205
Mydriasis, cycloplegia, blurred vision — Dose-related
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dry mouth, dysphagia, constipation, vomiting, thirst — Dose-related, common at high doses
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Urinary retention/hesitancy — Dose-related
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Tachycardia (or initial bradycardia at low doses), hypertension/hypotension, arrhythmias — Dose-related
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting134 reports
- Death127 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')92 reports
- Bradycardia83 reports
- Cardiac arrest75 reports
- Anorexia66 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS61 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS58 reports
- Seizure NOS54 reports
- Death by euthanasia47 reports
- Tachycardia47 reports
- Abnormal radiograph finding44 reports
Cat
- Death47 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')36 reports
- Cardiac arrest33 reports
- Hypothermia28 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS27 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS27 reports
- Dilated pupils26 reports
- Fever23 reports
- Vomiting22 reports
- Not eating21 reports
- Weight loss21 reports
- Anorexia19 reports
Monitoring1
Heart rate/rhythm continuously during acute use; GI motility/urinary retention with repeated dosing
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Narrow-angle glaucoma, tachycardia (thyrotoxicosis/cardiac), GI obstructive disease/ileus, severe ulcerative colitis, obstructive uropathy, myasthenia gravis (unless reversing muscarinic drug effects)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Not effective for bradycardia in puppies <14 days or kittens <11 days old; caution combining with alpha-2 agonists (dexmedetomidine) — controversial, may worsen hypertension/arrhythmias; rabbits often have endogenous atropinesterase — use glycopyrrolate instead
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Atropine response test (differentiating vagal vs. non-vagal bradyarrhythmias): give 0.04 mg/kg IV, wait 15 min, recheck ECG — persistent sinus tachycardia >140 bpm expected if vagally mediated.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
In organophosphate/carbamate toxicity, dose to effect (drying of secretions) rather than a fixed dose — repeat as needed since this reflects a large functional antidote reserve.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Do NOT rely on atropine to reverse bradycardia in very young neonates — it is reportedly ineffective in puppies <14 days/kittens <11 days.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions5
Alpha-2 agonists (dexmedetomidine, medetomidine) — May significantly increase BP, heart rate, arrhythmia risk — many discourage combining
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Amitraz — May aggravate amitraz toxicity signs (hypertension, further peristalsis inhibition)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Antihistamines, phenothiazines, TCAs, other anticholinergics — Additive anticholinergic effects
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metoclopramide — Atropine antagonizes metoclopramide's prokinetic action
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Digoxin (slow-dissolving tablets) — ↑ serum digoxin levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Onset — Peak heart rate effect within 3–4 min (IV)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Distribution — Crosses CNS, placenta; small amounts into milk
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~2–3h (human data)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Hepatic metabolism, ~30–50% renal unchanged
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category C. Papich class B (safe if used cautiously, avoid near term — may cause fetal tachycardia).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 126–129; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 61–62 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references15
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Dyspnea Induced by Alpha 2-Adrenergic Agonists and Dissociative Anesthetics Combination in Dogs and Cats.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Use of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and a vaporizer-free ventilator to prevent recurrence of malignant hyperthermia in a dog.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Atropine induces narrowing of the superior and inferior iridocorneal angle and ciliary cleft in normal horse eyes.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Pharmacokinetics of Intramuscular and Intravenous Glycopyrrolate in Juvenile New Zealand White Rabbits.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Development and Validation of an Eco-Friendly HPLC Stability-Indicating Technique for Quantification of Atropine Sulfate and Benzyl Alcohol in Raw and Injectable Solutions.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.
Available products
Products listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for this active ingredient. A listing does not establish that a product is authorized for the clinical uses described on this page.