PROTOCOLS

ALS PRACTITIONER PROTOCOLSATROPINE SULPHATEDESCRIPTION:• Classification : Anti-cholinergic, anti-muscarinic• Schedule : 2PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:• Atropine acts as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic (cholinergic)receptor sites, blocking the stimulation of parasympathetic nerve fibres• Atropine (anti-cholinergic) effects:o Heart: supraventricular conductive tissue- Positive chronotrope- Positive dromotropeo Eyes: mydriasiso Exocrine glands : decreased sweat, tears, salivary and pancreaticsecretionso Lungs: reduction in bronchial secretions & somebronchodilationo Digestive system : decreased peristalsis, sphincter constrictiono Urinary : bladder relaxation, sphincter constrictionPHARMACO-KINETICS:• Half-life: 2 - 4 hours• Onset of action : ImmediateADVERSE EFFECTS:• Confusion, restlessness• Mydriasis (72hrs), diplopia, photophobia, blurred vision• Dry mucous membranes: mouth, eyes, respiratory and digestive tract• Tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, paradoxical bradycardia• Dry, hot, flushed skin• Acute urinary retention• Constipation, nausea, vomiting34 SEPTEMBER 2006