Antagonism of the muscarinic effects of edrophonium with atropine or glycopyrrolate. A comparative study.

The efficacy of atropine or glycopyrrolate in doses of 10 or 20 micrograms kg-1 and 5 or 10 micrograms kg-1, respectively, has been compared when administered to block the muscarinic effects of edrophonium 0.5 mg kg-1 administered for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Both doses of atropine and the higher dose of glycopyrrolate prevented any edrophonium-induced decreases in heart rate; glycopyrrolate at this dose was associated with tachycardia. Atropine and edrophonium could be safely administered together in a mixture. The control of oropharyngeal secretions was adequate even with the lower doses of both anticholinergic agents. Atropine 10 micrograms kg-1 appears to be a better anticholinergic agent for use with edrophonium.