Atropine helps to relax the muscle walls of the intestines.
It is used to treat a certain type of indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (a long-term disorder of the digestive system that involves a group of symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea), and diverticular disease (a type of inflammation of the large intestine).
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.
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:
- prostate enlargement
- paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
- pyloric stenosis (thickening and narrowing of the stomach outlet)
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
as Atropine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. heart attack, rapid heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid gland
- fever
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- Down syndrome (genetic disorder associated with physical growth development delays and intellectual disability)
- bladder problems
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Atropine may cause visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty swallowing, flushing, dry skin, and rash.
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:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. clozapine, chlorpromazine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
- medicines for Parkinson’s disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. levodopa, amantadine
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea and vomiting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atropine.
Always notify your doctor and 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.