Which of the following populations should use atropine with caution due to adverse effects?

Atropine is an anticholinergic agent that can produce a variety of adverse effects, particularly in certain populations.

Pediatric patients are often more sensitive to medications, and their physiological responses can differ significantly from adults. Atropine may cause increased heart rate and other anticholinergic effects that could be more pronounced in this demographic, leading to potential complications.

In pregnant women, the safety of many medications, including atropine, must be weighed against potential risks to both the mother and the fetus. Anticholinergics can cross the placenta and may adversely affect fetal development or lead to complications during delivery.

Older adults typically have age-related physiological changes that can result in increased sensitivity to anticholinergic medications. The risk of side effects such as confusion, sedation, and urinary retention is particularly heightened in this population, as they may already be susceptible to these adverse effects due to declining health.

Given these considerations, caution should be exercised when using atropine in pediatric patients, pregnant women, and older adults, making it essential to approach its use in these populations thoughtfully. Therefore, the most comprehensive and cautious response is to recognize that all of these groups should use atropine with caution due to potential adverse effects.