Atropine Ophthalmic (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Atropine is used before eye examinations to dilate (open) the pupil, the black part of the eye through which you see. It is also used to relieve pain caused by swelling and inflammation of the eye.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this medication should be used
Atropine comes as eyedrops and eye ointment. The drops are usually applied 2 to 4 times a day. the ointment usually is applied 1 to 3 times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use atropine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked and that the eyedrops are clear (not cloudy).
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
- Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
- Lie down or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
To use the eye ointment, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
- Tilt your head forward slightly.
- Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
- Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and theeye. A 1/2-inch strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away.
- Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
Special precautions
Before using atropine eyedrops or eye ointment:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atropine, belladonna, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines, cough and cold medicines, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you *become pregnant while using atropine, call your doctor immediately.
What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the eyedrops or eye ointment as soon as you remember the missed dose. Use any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time the next one is due, use only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Atropine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- eye irritation and redness
- swelling of the eyelids
- sensitivity to bright light
- dry mouth
- red or dry skin
- blurred vision
Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fever
- irritability
- fast pulse
- irregular heartbeat
- mental confusion
- difficulty urinating
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to atropine.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Atropine Care® 1%
- Atropisol®
- Isopto® Atropine
- Ocu-Tropine®