Generic name: atropine ophthalmic [ A-troe-peen ]
Brand names: Isopto Atropine, Atropine-1, Atropisol, Ocu-Tropine, Atropine Care, Atrosulf-1
Dosage forms: ophthalmic ointment (1%), ophthalmic solution (1%)
Drug class: Mydriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is atropine ophthalmic?

Atropine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used in adults and children at least 3 months old to dilate (widen) your pupil before an eye exam or surgery, treat eye swelling, or to treat a condition called amblyopia (sometimes called 'lazy eye').

Atropine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Atropine ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when atropine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

atropine ophthalmic will cause sensitivity to light and blurred vision that could last up to 2 weeks.

Children can absorb larger amounts of the medicine and may be more likely to have side effects.

Atropine ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning or stinging of the eyes;

• severe eye redness or irritation;

• fast heart rate, restlessness or irritability;

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects of atropine ophthalmic may include:

• mild stinging or pain when the drops are placed into your eye;

• dry mouth, eyes, nose, or throat;

• fast heart rate; increased blood pressure;

• red, irritated or watery eyes;

• drowsiness; or

• vision problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

triamcinolone ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, Humira, azathioprine, phenylephrine ophthalmic, adalimumab, Isopto Hyoscine

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use atropine ophthalmic if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure;

• glaucoma; or

• a history of sensitivity to belladonna alkaloids such as belladonna, homatropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, or methscopolamine.

It is not known if atropine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not allow a young child to use atropine ophthalmic without help from an adult.

How should I use atropine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before and after using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

To apply the ointment: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into this pocket. Blink gently and then close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe away excess ointment with a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include vision problems, fast or uneven heart rate, fever, hallucinations, increased salivation, rash, dryness of the skin, or loss of balance or coordination.

What should I avoid while using atropine ophthalmic?

Avoid using any other eye medications your doctor has not prescribed.

atropine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving, especially at night or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Atropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors or in bright light.

What other drugs will affect atropine ophthalmic?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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