What are the contraindications of atropine sulfate injection?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Contraindications for Atropine Sulfate Injection mainly include: hypersensitivity to the product, patients with angle-closure glaucoma, patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by urinary retention, and patients with myasthenia gravis. This medication is a prescription drug and must be used precisely according to medical condition under the guidance of a physician. A detailed medical history should be provided before administration.
Contraindications for Atropine Sulfate Injection mainly include: patients allergic to this product, those with angle-closure glaucoma, severe cardiac arrhythmias, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with urinary retention, and those with myasthenia gravis. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Contraindicated in patients allergic to this product: Some individuals may be allergic to atropine or excipients in the formulation. Administration may lead to allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and laryngeal edema. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, causing difficulty breathing and a sudden drop in blood pressure. These individuals must absolutely avoid using this medication.
2. Contraindicated in patients with angle-closure glaucoma: This drug has mydriatic effects that can impair the pupillary sphincter function in patients with angle-closure glaucoma, obstructing aqueous humor circulation and causing a sharp increase in intraocular pressure. This exacerbates symptoms such as eye pain and headache, and prolonged use may result in optic nerve damage or even blindness.
3. Contraindicated in patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias: Atropine increases heart rate and inhibits vagal activity, potentially triggering or worsening arrhythmias. In patients with serious arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, administration may disrupt cardiac electrophysiological stability and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
4. Contraindicated in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by urinary retention: The drug relaxes the detrusor muscle of the bladder while contracting the sphincter, leading to impaired bladder emptying. Patients with BPH already have urethral compression; administration further aggravates urinary retention, manifesting as lower abdominal distension, pain, and inability to urinate spontaneously, often requiring catheterization.
5. Contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis: Atropine inhibits acetylcholine transmission at neuromuscular junctions, thereby worsening muscle weakness. Patients with myasthenia gravis already suffer from impaired neuromuscular conduction; administration may lead to severe complications such as dysphagia and respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening.
This medication is a prescription drug and must be used precisely under a physician's guidance based on individual medical conditions. A detailed medical history should be provided before administration. During treatment, parameters such as heart rate and intraocular pressure should be monitored. If adverse effects such as dry mouth or blurred vision occur, they should be reported to the doctor promptly. Do not adjust the dosage without authorization.
