Atropine vs. Adrenalin for Heart Attack and Anaphylaxis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Epinephrine

(Adrenalin)

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Summary for Atropine

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.

Indications for Atropine

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

Pros and Cons for Atropine

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

Common Side Effects for Atropine

Eye pain
Eye stinging
Blurry vision
Eye sensitivity to light
Dry eyes

Warnings for Atropine

Light sensitivity and blurry vision
Rise in blood pressure
Greater risk of side effects in people with certain medical conditions affecting the nervous system

Summary for Adrenalin

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 for Adrenalin

Severe allergic reactions
Low blood pressure from serious infections (called septic shock)

Pros and Cons for Adrenalin

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 for Adrenalin

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.