Skip to main content

Tropicamide ophthalmic

Generic name: tropicamide ophthalmic [ troe-PIK-a-mide-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Mydriacyl, Tropicacyl, Opticyl, Mydral, Ocu-Tropic
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.5%; 1%)
Drug class: Mydriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 13, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tropicamide ophthalmic?

Tropicamide causes muscles in the eye to become relaxed. This dilates (widens) the pupil so that it does not react (narrow) when your doctor shines an examination light into your eye.

Tropicamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to dilate the pupil for an eye examination or other diagnostic procedure.

Tropicamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tropicamide 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.

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

Common side effects of tropicamide ophthalmic may include:

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.

Warnings

Protect your eyes from bright light while your pupils are dilated.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use tropicamide ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

To make sure tropicamide ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether tropicamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use tropicamide ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Tropicamide ophthalmic is most often used only in a doctor's office during an eye examination. Instructions are provided below for giving yourself the medicine if your doctor has prescribed it for home use.

Do not take by mouth. Tropicamide ophthalmic is for use only in the eyes.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Tropicamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. It may be best to wait until your eyes are no longer dilated before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops. Because a child might rub his or her eyes after the drops are given, wash the child's hands after use.

To apply the eye drops:

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

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tropicamide ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Refraction:

Cycloplegic Refraction:

-Instill 1 or 2 drops of the 1% solution into eye(s); repeat in 5 minutes.

Comment:
-An additional drop may be given if the examination is not done within 20 to 30 minutes.

Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Fundoscopy:
-Instill 1 or 2 drops of 0.5% solution into eye(s) 15 or 20 minutes prior to examination.

Comments:
-Heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses.

Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Refraction:

Cycloplegic Refraction:

-Instill 1 or 2 drops of the 1% solution into eye(s); repeat in 5 minutes.

Comment:
-An additional drop may be given if the examination is not done within 20 to 30 minutes.

Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Fundoscopy:
-Instill 1 or 2 drops of 0.5% solution into eye(s) 15 or 20 minutes prior to examination.

Comments:
-Heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses.

Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

atropine ophthalmic, atropine, phenylephrine ophthalmic, Isopto Hyoscine, cyclopentolate ophthalmic, Mydriacyl, Cyclogyl, homatropine ophthalmic, DuoDote

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since tropicamide ophthalmic is usually given only during an eye exam, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule.

If you are on a schedule, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of tropicamide ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using tropicamide ophthalmic?

tropicamide ophthalmic may cause blurred vision, or make your eyes very sensitive to light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. This effect may last as long as 24 hours.

Protect your eyes from bright light while your pupils are dilated.

Unless your doctor tells you to, avoid using other eye medications until your pupils are no longer dilated.

What other drugs will affect tropicamide ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on tropicamide used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tropicamide ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does tropicamide ophthalmic interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

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.