Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Atropine vs. Adrenalin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Atropine (Isopto Atropine) and Epinephrine (Adrenalin) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Atropine is an anticholinergic used primarily for eye conditions, such as dilating pupils during eye exams, temporarily paralyzing eye muscles, and treating lazy eye. It is available in both eye drop and ointment forms. On the other hand, Epinephrine is an adrenergic receptor agonist used in emergency settings to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and low blood pressure from septic shock. It is administered via injection. While Atropine can cause side effects like blurred vision and light sensitivity, Epinephrine can lead to high heart rate, high blood pressure, and potential tissue damage if not properly administered. Additionally, Atropine is not a controlled medication and is available in generic form, whereas Epinephrine, also not a controlled medication, is typically used in hospital settings and may contain sulfites, which can be problematic for those with allergies.

  • Atropine (Isopto Atropine)
    Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
  • Atropine (Isopto Atropine)
    Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

  • Summary of Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Atropine (Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication that's used to dilate or widen the pupil (the black part of your eye). It's also used to treat lazy eye. This medication is an anticholinergic that works to make the pupil bigger. Atropine (Isopto Atropine) comes as eye drops and an eye ointment. The usual dosage is to apply the medication to the eye(s) 1 to 2 times daily. It can be used in people 3 months and up according to the eye specialist's instructions. Side effects include temporary eye pain, stinging, eye sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Atropine (Isopto Atropine) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is a medication typically used in the hospital to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and severely low blood pressure from septic shock. It's given as an injection into the veins, into the muscle, or under the skin by a healthcare provider, depending on why you need epinephrine (Adrenalin). Side effects include high heart rate, high blood pressure, and headache.

  • Indications of Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Indications for
    •Pupil dilation (e.g., for eye exams) - eye drops and eye ointment
    •Temporary paralysis of the eye muscle (cycloplegia) - eye drops and eye ointment
    •Treatment for lazy eye - eye drops only
    Indications for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low blood pressure from serious infections (called septic shock)

  • Pros and Cons of Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Eye drops can be used in children 3 months and older
    •Can be used as an alternative to wearing a patch over the stronger eye for treating lazy eye
    Cons
    •Can make your eyes sensitive to light and vision blurry for up to 2 weeks
    •Might raise your blood pressure
    Pros and Const for Adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly
    •Works well to raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Can be used in people of all ages
    Cons
    •Can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
    •Can cause skin tissue damage if not properly administered

  • Common Side Effects of Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye pain
    •Eye stinging
    •Blurry vision
    •Eye sensitivity to light
    •Dry eyes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness
    •Tremor
    •Weakness
    •Dizziness
    •Sweating
    •Pounding heart
    •Nausea/vomiting
    •Headache
    •Looking pale

    Please note: The side effects listed were reported in cases where people received epinephrine (Adrenalin) injections into the muscle or under the skin.

  • Warnings of Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Light sensitivity and blurry vision
    •Rise in blood pressure
    •Greater risk of side effects in people with certain medical conditions affecting the nervous system
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure and heart rate
    •Tissue damage (infusion only)
    •Too much fluid in the lungs (infusion only)
    •Kidney problems (infusion only)
    •Risk of serious infection at injection site
    •Contains sulfites

  • Prices with our coupons for Atropine vs. Adrenalin

    Learn more about Atropine
    Learn more about Epinephrine

Compare other Heart Attack and Anaphylaxis drugs

Atropine vs Adrenalin

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.