What medication is commonly used to treat symptomatic bradycardia?

Atropine is commonly used to treat symptomatic bradycardia because it is an anticholinergic agent that increases heart rate by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart. This action inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system, which typically slows heart rate. By administering atropine, the heart rate can be increased effectively in patients experiencing symptomatic bradycardia, such as those presenting with signs of poor perfusion or altered mental status.

The effectiveness of atropine in this context, especially during acute situations, makes it a first-line medication as per ACLS protocols. While other medications can also be utilized in various cardiac situations, they do not specifically target the mechanism of bradycardia as directly as atropine does. This distinction underscores why atropine is the preferred choice in the management of symptomatic bradycardia.