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Tropicamide ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 14, 2023.

Applies to tropicamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

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

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:

More common

  • Blurred vision
  • headache
  • sensitivity of eyes to light
  • stinging of the eye when the medicine is applied

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tropicamide ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic solution.

General

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]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. Tropicamide (tropicamide ophthalmic). Bausch and Lomb Americas, Inc. 2016.

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.

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