Final answer:
For symptomatic bradycardia, atropine is the first-line medication, given intravenously at an initial dose of 0.5 mg, which may be repeated to a maximum of 3 mg. It is important to also treat and manage the underlying cause of the bradycardia.
Step-by-step explanation:
If someone is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia where the heart is not adequately supplying oxygenated blood to the body tissues, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, or respiratory distress, the first line medication typically administered is atropine. The standard initial dose of atropine for adults is 0.5 mg intravenously, which may be repeated every 3-5 minutes to a maximum dose of 3 mg. Atropine works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine on the heart, thereby increasing heart rate. It is crucial to address the underlying cause of the bradycardia, such as metabolic disorders, endocrine system pathologies, electrolyte imbalances, neurological disorders, autoimmune pathologies, or over-prescription of beta-blocker drugs that reduce heart rate.