Atropine ophthalmic Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 22, 2020.
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
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.
More about atropine ophthalmic
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Compare Alternatives
- Pricing & Coupons
- Drug class: mydriatics
Consumer resources
- Other brands
- Isopto Atropine, Atropisol, Ocu-Tropine
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
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.