Atropine use in Centruroides scorpion envenomation

Background: Systemic scorpion envenomation may be associated with hypersali vation and respiratory distress. Atropine can dry secretions, but is not re commended for stings from many foreign scorpions, since it exacerbates adre nergic toxicity to the cardiopulmonary system. Serious adrenergic effects, however, are rare with Centruroides sculpturatus envenomation. Case Series: Five cases of Grade IV C. sculpturatus envenomation whose treatment includ ed atropine were found on retrospective review at one poison control center located in a scorpion-endemic area. No clinically significant adverse effe cts of atropine were noted. In 3 cases, atropine's reversal of hypersalivat ion and respiratory distress obviated the need for further interventions.