atropine in cardiac resuscitation
Last reviewed 01/2018
Action of atropine is to block the vagus nerve and thus enhance sinus node automaticity and atrioventricular conduction.
- atropine causes blockade of parasympathetic activity at both the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node may increase sinus automaticity and facilitate AV node conduction
- adult dose of atropine for asystole, or pulseless electrical activity with a rate < 60 min per minute, is 3 mg IV
Atropine may increase myocardial oxygen demand and unmask sympathetic overactivity.
Reference:
- Resuscitation Council (UK). Adult Advanced Life Support. Resuscitation Guidelines 2005.