The Effects of Atropine Sulphate Upon Healthy Male Subjects

The objective and subjective responses of healthy men to atropine sulphate administered by intramuscular injection have been studied. 2. After 2 and 3 mg., dryness of the mouth and throat, with difficulty in swallowing, were the most prominent symptoms. After a 5 mg. injection, dizziness, tiredness, difficulty in reading, and dysuria were also frequent complaints. 3. The most marked objective finding was an increase in the pulse rate after the atropine. Less consistently, the systolic blood pressure tended to fall slightly and the diastolic pressure to rise. Changes in the character of the electrocardiogram also occurred in some subjects. 4. Ventilatory function, the fasting blood sugar, blood hæmoglobin and blood white cell contents were not significantly affected. The sugar tolerance curve and the resting rectal temperature were altered by the atropine administration. 5. The ventilatory response to exercise was not affected by the administration of atropine but the pulse rate response was. Speed of movement seemed to be reduced after atropine. 6. The relative effectiveness of various routes of administration of the atropine was studied.