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Mydriatics ophthalmic solution (0.5%; 1%; 2%)

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic

Generic name: cyclopentolate ophthalmic

Brand names: Cyclogyl, Cylate, AK-Pentolate, Pentolair, Ocu-Pentolate

Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is cyclopentolate ophthalmic?

Cyclopentolate relaxes the muscles in your eye to make your pupil larger.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to make your pupil larger before an eye exam.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

You should not take this medicine if you have angle-closure glaucoma.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive cyclopentolate ophthalmic if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to cyclopentolate ophthalmic, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma.

To make sure cyclopentolate ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cyclopentolate ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether cyclopentolate ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine is usually given about 40 to 50 minutes before your eye exam or other procedure.

A healthcare provider will place the eyedrops into your eyes.

After you receive the drops, close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic can cause feeding problems in an infant. After cyclopentolate ophthalmic has been given to your infant, wait at least 4 hours before you feed the child.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • severe burning or redness of your eyes;
  • drowsiness;
  • constipation, little or no urinating;
  • dry mouth or nose, decreased sweating;
  • fast heartbeats; or
  • fever, skin rash, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Infants and young children may be more likely to have side effects from cyclopentolate ophthalmic. For at least 30 minutes after the child has been treated with cyclopentolate ophthalmic, watch for the following side effects:

  • loss of coordination;
  • unusual changes in behavior;
  • feeling restless or excited;
  • confusion, speech problems; or
  • feeding problems, stomach bloating.

Common side effects of cyclopentolate ophthalmic may include:

  • blurred vision;
  • mild eye irritation or redness;
  • puffy eyelids; or
  • the eyes being more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Refraction:

Instill 1 to 2 drops in the eye(s) once; may repeat in 5 to 10 minutes if neededComments: The 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution may be used.Uses: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia

Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Instill 1 to 2 drops in the eye(s) once; may repeat in 5 to 10 minutes if neededComments: The 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution may be used.Uses: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Refraction:

Infants: Instill 1 drop of 0.5% solution into the eye(s) onceComments:-To minimize absorption, pressure should be applied over the nasolacrimal sac for 2 to 3 minutes.-The infant should be observed for at least 30 minutes after instillation.Children: Instill 1 to 2 drops in the eye(s) once; may repeat in 5 to 10 minutes if needed using the 0.5% or 1% solutionComments: Initial dose in children may be given using the 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution.Uses: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Infants: Instill 1 drop of 0.5% solution into the eye(s) onceComments:-To minimize absorption, pressure should be applied over the nasolacrimal sac for 2 to 3 minutes.-The infant should be observed for at least 30 minutes after instillation.Children: Instill 1 to 2 drops in the eye(s) once; may repeat in 5 to 10 minutes if needed using the 0.5% or 1% solutionComments: Initial dose in children may be given using the 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution.Uses: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cyclopentolate ophthalmic is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic can cause blurred vision for up to 24 hours after using it. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires clear vision.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may also make your eyes more sensitive to light. Until the effects wear off, protect your eyes from the sun or bright light.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect cyclopentolate ophthalmic?

It is unlikely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect cyclopentolate ophthalmic used in your eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.