Atropine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to dilate your pupils when you have an inflammatory condition or in postsurgery situations in which this effect may be helpful.
Atropine ophthalmic is also used in people with a condition called amblyopia (sometimes called "lazy eye"). Atropine ophthalmic can be placed into the stronger eye to temporarily blur the vision in that eye. This helps strengthen the weaker eye because the brain will force that eye to work harder to focus.
Atropine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma.
To make sure atropine ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure;
- glaucoma.
Atropine ophthalmic can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 3 months old.
Atropine Ophthalmic Side Effects
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when atropine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Children can absorb larger amounts of the medicine and may be more likely to have side effects.
Call a doctor at once if the person using atropine ophthalmic has:
- severe burning or stinging of the eyes;
- severe eye redness or irritation;
- fast heart rate, restlessness or irritability;
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or
- increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety.
Common side effects may include:
- mild stinging or pain when the drops are placed into your eye;
- mild eye pain;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- puffy or watery eyes;
- blurred vision; or
- your eyes may be more sensitive to light.
Atropine Ophthalmic Interactions
Atropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors or in bright light.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Atropine Ophthalmic Dosage
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
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 about 1 minute, 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.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
To apply the ointment:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
- Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
- After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you have used too much atropine ophthalmic, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
