Skip to main content
Print Save

Atropine ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.

For the Consumer

Applies to atropine ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, atropine ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atropine ophthalmic:

Incidence not known

  • 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

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of atropine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • 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

Managing side effects (general information)

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

References

1. "Product Information. Atropisol (atropine ophthalmic)." Ciba Vision Ophthalmics, Duluth, GA.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer