New aspects in the use of atropine

Several new factors have recently been shown to influence the pharmacokinetics of atropine. Age appears to have a clear effect on the elimination of atropine: for example, prolonged elimination has been found in children under 2 years of age and in the elderly. The higher sensitivity of these patients to the effects of atropine can be explained, at least partly, by this phenomenon. Due to the fast placental transfer of atropine, i.v. administration before cesarean section can have strong effects on the newborn. Most important, however, it decreases the barrier pressure of the lower cardioesophageal sphincter (pulmonary aspiration). Thus, routine atropine premedication is contraindicated before cesarean section. On the other hand, children appear to need a routine anticholinergic premedicant. Without it profuse salivary secretion may interfere with anesthesia. The use of atropine in premedication of healthy adult patients is controversial. Because peroral premedication (benzodiazepines) is nowadays increasing in the adult patient, especially in the elderly, routine use of atropine should be avoided.