Atropine overdose in three children

Abstract

Each of the three children was given atropine sulphate 600 mg orally by accident. The poisoning that ensued was markedly different from the classical descriptions of belladonna poisoning; skin rashes, hyperpyrexia and medullary depression were absent, the dominant signs being those of sustained central nervous system excitation. Paral-dehyde and then diazepam controlled the restlessness. No other specific treatment was required. All recovered completely. It appears that ingested atropine is absorbed rapidly and completely. Urine analysis showed that the majority of atropine excretion occurred within 48 hours. In two cases substantial amounts of atropine were found in the urine within 48 hours but not at 72 hours. © 1971 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.