Effects of Atropine Sulfate on Aircrew Performance
Abstract
The human/animal literature on performance effects of atropine sulfate is reviewed and extrapolated to aircrew requirements. Subjective reports and physiological dose-response curves are used to estimate effective dosage levels for performance; ED50 is the dose at which 50% of an aircrew experiences a detectable performance change. Based on this review and extrapolation, the ED40 level for atropine sulfate is 2 mg IM/person for performance effects on near vision, alertness, equilibrium, response-force discrimination, and enunciation: the ED5 level is estimated at 1.35 mg IM/person. Although the published literature on simultaneously administered acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and blockers is insufficient to warrant even a tentative conclusion, the initial results suggest a combined mode of action in the visual system; if confirmed, such action would limit the use of atropine to counteract chemical- warfare performance decrements. Thus although atropine may be lifesaving, it does not prevent aircrew performance losses due to chemical-warfare agents and may impose additional decrements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA165063
Entities
People
- A. S. Winter
- James D.
- Michael L. Lobb
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine