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Atropine

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Sourced from primary literature. 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 (35 dose rules)

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

Evidence levels across 35 dose rules

Moderate×15Strong×16Extrapolated×4

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

Backed by 3 published primary sources

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

Sample dosing (2 of 35 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 10 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

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

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Calculate Dosage for Atropine