Atropine Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 27, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Refraction

Eye drops:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Comments:

• To minimize systemic absorption, the lacrimal sac should be compressed with digital pressure for 1 minute after instillation.

Use: For refraction and examination of fundus by inducing mydriasis and cycloplegia.

Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Eye drops:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Comments:

• To minimize systemic absorption, the lacrimal sac should be compressed with digital pressure for 1 minute (eye drops) to 3 minutes (ointment) after instillation.

Use: For pupillary dilation desired in inflammatory conditions of the iris and uveal tract.

Usual Adult Dose for Iritis

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Eye drops:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Comments:

• To minimize systemic absorption, the lacrimal sac should be compressed with digital pressure for 1 minute (eye drops) to 3 minutes (ointment) after instillation.

Use: For pupillary dilation desired in inflammatory conditions of the iris and uveal tract.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation

3 years or older:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) as required for treatment

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice daily

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Comments:

• Systemic absorption can be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 1 minute (eye drop) to 3 minutes (ointment) during and after instillation.

Use: For the treatment of amblyopia by penalization of the healthy eye.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Refraction

Eye drops:
3 months to 3 years:

• Instill 1 drop into the eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop per eye per day

3 years or older:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Comments:

• Systemic absorption can be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 1 minute (eye drop) to 3 minutes (ointment) during and after instillation.

Use: For refraction and examination of fundus by inducing mydriasis and cycloplegia.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Uveitis

Eye drops:
3 months to 3 years:

• Instill 1 drop into the eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop per eye per day

3 years or older:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Comments:

• Systemic absorption can be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 2 to 3 minutes after instillation.

Use: For pupillary dilation desired in inflammatory conditions of the iris and uveal tract.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iritis

Eye drops:
3 months to 3 years:

• Instill 1 drop into the eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop per eye per day

3 years or older:

• Instill 1 drop into eye(s) 40 minutes prior to intended maximal dilation

Maximum dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day

Ointment:

• Instill a small amount into the conjunctival sac once or twice a day.

Comments:

• Systemic absorption can be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 2 to 3 minutes after instillation.

Use: For pupillary dilation desired in inflammatory conditions of the iris and uveal tract.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Dose Adjustments

Use caution in inflamed eyes as hyperemia greatly increases the rate of systemic absorption through the conjunctiva.

Heavily pigmented irides are more resistant to pupillary dilation; use caution to avoid overdose

Systemic absorption can be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 1 minute (eye drop) to 3 minutes (ointment) during and after instillation.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 3 months.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For ophthalmic use only; not for injection
• Contact lenses should be removed before use.
• Instill drops into the eye at the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva; systemic absorption may be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for 1 minute during and after instillation
• Apply ointment into conjunctiva sac; systemic absorption may be minimized by applying pressure to the lacrimal duct for up to 3 minutes during and after instillation
• Wash hands after administration to avoid accidental oral ingestion.

Storage requirements:

• Store at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F); keep container tightly closed.

General:

• Complete recovery from mydriasis may take up to 1 week or longer.

Patient advice:

• Patients should be advised to apply pressure to the lacrimal sac for 1 minute (eye drop) to 3 minutes (ointment) during and after instillation, to minimize systemic absorption (especially in children).
• Patients should be warned about oral toxicity, and advised to wash their hands after use and avoid getting the product in the mouth.
• Patients should be instructed not to touch the dropper or tube tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution or ointment.
• Patients should be informed that complete recovery from dilation may take up to 1 week or longer; patients should be advised to protect eyes from bright light during dilation and not to drive or perform potentially hazardous activities while pupils are dilated.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer