Tropicamide Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2025.

Applies to tropicamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

After this medicine is applied to your eyes:

• Your pupils will become unusually large and you will have blurring of vision, especially for close objects. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.
• Your eyes will become more sensitive to light than they are normally. When you go out during the daylight hours, even on cloudy days, wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light to protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright lights. Ordinary sunglasses may not protect your eyes. If you have any questions about the kind of sunglasses to wear, check with your doctor.
• If these effects continue for longer than 24 hours after the medicine is used, check with your doctor.

Other side effects

Some side effects of tropicamide 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:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, tropicamide 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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking tropicamide ophthalmic:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• fast heartbeat
• flushing or redness of face
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• increased thirst or dryness of mouth
• skin rash
• slurred speech
• swollen stomach in infants
• unusual behavior, especially in children
• unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tropicamide ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

Side effects reported with this drug have included transient stinging, blurred vision, photophobia and superficial punctate keratitis. Some patients have experienced prolonged mydriasis.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Headache, drowsiness, somnolence, fatigue, trouble concentrating, central nervous system disturbances, dysphonia
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Psychotic reaction, behavioral disturbance^[Ref]

Behavioral disturbances or psychotic reactions may be more common in children.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache, drowsiness, somnolence, fatigue, trouble concentrating, central nervous system disturbances, dysphonia
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, palpitations
• Postmarketing reports: Hypotension, syncope^[Ref]

Transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia with palpitations and arrhythmias have been reported.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

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

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Rhinitis, reduced bronchial secretions, bronchospasm
• Postmarketing reports: Dryness of mucous membranes^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, difficult micturition^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Erythematous rash, pruritus, pallor, flushing, increased sweating, dry skin^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle rigidity^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Tropicamide ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer