e. Administration. Atropine sulfate is a very poisonous drug. Therefore, when
it is administered to a client, extreme care should be used to ensure that an overdose is
not given.
(1) Belladonna is given orally, often in combination with other drugs as an
antispasmodic. The usual dose of the tincture is 0.6-ml, while the usual dose of the
tablet is one or two tablets three times a day at mealtime and one or two tablets at
bedtime.
(2) Atropine is given orally, parenterally, or topically (in the eye). The usual
adult dose preoperatively is 0.5-mg (1/120-gr) given intramuscularly together with the
preoperative analgesic. The usual dose given to treat persons exposed to nerve gas is
2 mg given at 10-minute intervals for three doses. In addition, one percent atropine
sulfate ophthalmic ointment is applied in the victim's eyes after first irrigating them with
water for 30 seconds.
f. Storage. Belladonna tincture should be stored in tightly closed, light-
resistant containers away from extreme heat or cold. Atropine for injection should not
be allowed to freeze, and atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution is subject to deterioration
as indicated on the manufacturer's label.
g. How Supplied.
(1)
Belladonna is supplied as a tincture and in tablets with phenobarbital
combined.
(2) Atropine is supplied for injection in automatic plastic injectors and in
collapsible tubes with needles attached, each containing 2-mg of atropine. Atropine
sulfate injection is supplied in 25-ml vials (2-mg per ml) and in 20-ml vials (0.4-mg per
ml). There are 1-mg tablets for the treatment of nerve gas casualties only. Atropine is
also supplied as a one-percent ophthalmic ointment and as a one-percent ophthalmic
solution.
4-4.
PROPANTHELINE
a. Action and Uses. Propantheline bromide (trade name: Pro-Banthine) is an
antispasmodic similar in action to atropine, but having a longer duration of action, and
a greater ability to decrease gastric secretion. It is used for the symptomatic treatment
of peptic ulcer; it does not cure ulcers.
b. Administration. The drug is given orally or by injection. The usual dose is
15 mg with meals, and 15 to 30 mg at bedtime. The effects of a therapeutic dose of
this drug last for about 6 hours.
c. Untoward Effects. The untoward effects of this drug are the same as those
with belladonna and atropine, but not as severe.
MD0913
4-5