Military implications of atropine hypersensitivity.
Atropine hypersensitivity is a rarely reported condition. However, in the military environment, such reactions are of significant concern given the threat of chemical warfare and the use of atropine as a nerve agent antidote. Upon deployment to regions where chemical attacks are a threat, each service member is issued three 2-mg intramuscular autoinjectors of atropine for self-treatment. In the case presented here, an active duty service member presented to his Aid Station to request red dog tags for a previously identified allergy to atropine. Sensitivity testing revealed a significant reaction to <0.03 mg of intradermal atropine. This rarely reported reaction, in the military environment, poses a unique question regarding the suitability of deploying military members to areas where exposure to chemical warfare agents is possible.
Hague
Jenifer D
JD
Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Air Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina 28530, USA.
Derr
Jeffrey J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D001285:Atropine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000633:toxicity; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000633:toxicity; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004633:Emergency Medical Tags; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014455:Ukraine; D014481:United States
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D001285:Atropine