What is AtroPen used for?
- AtroPen is used to treat some poisonings.
- In surgery, it is used to lower secretions such as saliva.
- It is used to treat muscle spasms of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, gallbladder system, or urinary system.
- AtroPen is also used when the heart is not beating.
Before taking AtroPen, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to AtroPen; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take AtroPen with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take AtroPen?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take AtroPen. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If AtroPen is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- If you are 65 or older, use AtroPen with care. You could have more side effects.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using AtroPen while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is AtroPen best taken?
Use AtroPen as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle.
- Be sure you know how to use before an emergency happens. Read the package insert and instructions for use that come with AtroPen. If you have any questions about how to use AtroPen, talk with the doctor or pharmacist.
- Someone else may have to give AtroPen. Be sure others know where AtroPen is stored and how to give it if needed.
- Never put your fingers or hand over the tip.
- Do not take off safety release until ready to use.
- When you are ready to use, take the pen out of the case.
- Hold pen with tip down.
- Make a fist around the pen.
- Pull off safety release.
- Jab straight into the outer thigh as you have been told. This medicine may be given through clothes if needed. Inject and hold for as long as you were told.
- Get medical help right away after using AtroPen.
- Take it with you to the hospital.
- Do not use AtroPen if the solution changes color, is cloudy, or has particles. Get a new one.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- This medicine is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
What are the side effects of AtroPen that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- A fast heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
- Feeling confused.
- Change in balance.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Restlessness.
- Shakiness.
- Swelling of belly.
- Not able to get or keep an erection.
- Lowered interest in sex.
- Low mood (depression).
- Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
- Not sweating during activities or in warm temperatures.
What are some other side effects of AtroPen?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Blurred eyesight.
- If bright lights bother your eyes.
- Constipation.
- Less sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Dry mouth.
- Dry nose.
- Larger pupils.
- Flushing.
- Pain where the shot was given.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out AtroPen?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer information use and disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about AtroPen, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take AtroPen or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to AtroPen. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
