Atropine use in Centruroides scorpion envenomation.
BACKGROUND
Systemic scorpion envenomation may be associated with hypersalivation and respiratory distress. Atropine can dry secretions, but is not recommended for stings from many foreign scorpions, since it exacerbates adrenergic toxicity to the cardiopulmonary system. Serious adrenergic effects, however, are rare with Centruroides sculpturatus envenomation.


METHODS
Five cases of Grade IV C. sculpturatus envenomation whose treatment included atropine were found on retrospective review at one poison control center located in a scorpion-endemic area. No clinically significant adverse effects of atropine were noted. In 3 cases, atropine's reversal of hypersalivation and respiratory distress obviated the need for further interventions.
Suchard
J R
JR
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. jsuchard@uci.edu
Hilder
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001285:Atropine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012605:Scorpions; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D001285:Atropine