Atropine helps to relax the muscle walls of the intestines.
It is used to treat some types of indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (a disorder that involves abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement such as constipation or diarrhoea), and diverticular disease (a type of inflammation of the large bowel).
Take Atropine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. It is best to take it at bedtime.
The dose of Atropine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- angle-closure glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
- pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the lower opening of the stomach)
- prostate enlargement
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
as Atropine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart attack, rapid heartbeat, heart surgery
- high blood pressure
- urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder when urinating)
- thyroid disease
- fever
- diarrhoea
- heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth)
- ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines)
- Down’s syndrome (a genetic disorder associated with physical growth and development delays and intellectual disability)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Atropine may cause giddiness, unsteadiness, and visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, difficulty swallowing, flushing, dry skin, and difficulty in passing urine.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medicine. If you experience severe dry mouth, take some sweets, mints or chewing gum to help reduce discomfort.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for cold or allergy e.g. promethazine
- stomach medicines e.g. domperidone, metoclopramide
- medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. mexiletine, disopyramide
- glyceryl trinitrate (medicine for chest pain)
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, clozapine
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (a disease that affects movement) e.g. amantadine, levodopa
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- phenylephrine eye drops (medicine used to help enlarge the pupil of the eye)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atropine.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.