Endotracheal administration of atropine sulfate

Atropine sulfate was successfully administered endotracheally to a 74-year-old patient suffering profound bradycardic cardiovascular collapse. Ninety seconds following endotracheal atropine administration, normal blood pressure and pulse were established. Therapeutic blood levels of atropine were documented following endotracheal administration. The endotracheal route for atropine administration appears to provide an effective alternative route of administration when intravenous access is difficult or impossible to establish rapidly.