The response to atropine sulfate given by aerosol and intramuscular routes to patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Two groups of 11 patients each were studied in their responses to intramuscular (IM) or aerosolized atropine sulfate, given in preparation for fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The patients in group 1 received 1.0 mg of atropine IM, and those in group 2 were given a prepared solution of atropine in saline (5 mg/ml) at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg by nebulization (IPPB). Statistical analysis of the FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, and FEFmax showed excellent protective bronchodilatory effects of both IM and aerosolized atropine. In fact, the beneficial result was more prolonged when the drug was administered by inhalation. One possible factor to consider, however, is that atropine given by the aerosol route did not inhibit the vasovagal response in three of the 11 patients. Another factor to take into account is that atropine by IM injection is quicker to administer, more convenient, and requires less instrumentation than atropine given by aerosol.