Tropicamide ophthalmic

Tropicamide helps the muscles in the eye relax. This makes the pupil widen so it does not get smaller when your doctor shines a light into your eye.

Tropicamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to widen the pupil for an eye exam or other diagnostic procedure.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Tropicamide ophthalmic is usually used only in a doctor's office during an eye exam. Instructions are provided below for using the medicine at home if your doctor has prescribed it.

Do not take by mouth. Tropicamide ophthalmic is for use only in the eyes.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Tropicamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. It may be best to wait until your eyes are no longer dilated before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops. Since a child might rub his or her eyes after the drops are given, wash the child's hands after use.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• 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 for 1 to 3 minutes, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Protect your eyes from bright light while your pupils are dilated.

You should not use tropicamide ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

To make sure tropicamide ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• glaucoma; or
• any drug allergies.

It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

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

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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

Tropicamide ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• a fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• shortness of breath; or
• a light-headed feeling, as if you might faint.

Common side effects of tropicamide ophthalmic may include:

• blurred vision;
• mild stinging of the eyes;
• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;
• dry mouth; or
• headache.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Refraction:

Cycloplegic Refraction: -Instill 1 or 2 drops of the 1% solution into eye(s); repeat in 5 minutes.Comment: -An additional drop may be given if the examination is not done within 20 to 30 minutes. Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Fundoscopy:-Instill 1 or 2 drops of 0.5% solution into eye(s) 15 or 20 minutes prior to examination.Comments: -Heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses. Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Refraction:

Cycloplegic Refraction: -Instill 1 or 2 drops of the 1% solution into eye(s); repeat in 5 minutes.Comment: -An additional drop may be given if the examination is not done within 20 to 30 minutes. Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Fundoscopy:-Instill 1 or 2 drops of 0.5% solution into eye(s) 15 or 20 minutes prior to examination.Comments: -Heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses. Use: To produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

Since tropicamide ophthalmic is typically used only during an eye exam, it is unlikely that you will have a regular dosing schedule.

If you do have a schedule, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of tropicamide ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

tropicamide ophthalmic may cause blurred vision or make your eyes very sensitive to light. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that requires clear vision. This effect may last up to 24 hours.

Protect your eyes from bright light while your pupils are dilated.

Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, do not use other eye medications until your pupils are no longer dilated.

It is unlikely that other medicines you take by mouth or through injection will affect tropicamide used in the eyes. However, many medicines can interact with each other. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any that you start or stop using, especially:

• glaucoma medication.

This list is not complete. Other medicines may interact with tropicamide ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.