Military implications of atropine hypersensitivity

Mil Med. 2004 May;169(5):389-91. doi: 10.7205/milmed.169.5.389.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atropine / adverse effects*
  • Atropine / toxicity
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / toxicity
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Emergency Medical Tags
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Ukraine
  • United States

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Atropine