Atropine ophthalmic Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to atropine ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by atropine ophthalmic. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking atropine ophthalmic:

• Blurred vision
• change in color vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• eye pain or stinging
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with atropine ophthalmic may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Confusion as to time, place, or person
• decreased tearing of the eyes
• drowsiness
• dry skin, mouth, or throat
• feeling of warmth
• hallucinations
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• irritability
• redness of the clear part of the eye
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to atropine ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution

General

The most commonly occurring side effects include blurred vision, photophobia, eye pain and stinging, decreased lacrimation. Systemic effects are more common in infants and elderly.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Severe reaction to the ointment may include hypotension.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, palpitations, and arrhythmia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Ataxia, restlessness, excitement, irritability, hyperactivity, somnolence, confusion, delirium, hallucinations^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Eye pain, stinging, blurred vision, photophobia, decreased lacrimation
Frequency not reported: Superficial keratitis (with prolonged use), conjunctivitis, hyperemia, edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, thirst, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, constipation^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Contact dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid edema^[Ref]

Respiratory

Severe reaction to the ointment may include hypotension with progressive respiratory depression. Coma and death have been reported in very young children.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Decreased bronchial secretions with dry throat and difficulty talking^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Dry skin, flushing, rash^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, urinary urgency

Local

Frequency not reported: Local irritation (with prolonged use)

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Confusion, delirium, hallucinations

Not all side effects for atropine ophthalmic may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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