What is the recommended dose of Atropine for bradycardia with a pulse?

The recommended dose of Atropine for treating symptomatic bradycardia with a pulse is 1 mg administered every 3-5 minutes, up to a maximum total dose of 3 mg. Atropine works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, thus increasing the heart rate. The dosing strategy is designed to allow for repeated doses to achieve effective cardiac response while preventing potential adverse effects from excessive dosing.

In clinical practice, this dosing schedule is crucial in rapidly addressing the symptoms of bradycardia such as hypotension, altered mental status, or other signs of inadequate perfusion. The dosing is specifically structured to balance effective treatment against the risk of overdosing. Understanding this mechanism helps ensure that healthcare providers can respond appropriately to cases of symptomatic bradycardia.