Do not use cyclopentolate ophthalmic if you have glaucoma that is not being treated.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic eye drops contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft contact lenses when the eye drops are being inserted.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether cyclopentolate ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic passes into breast milk in small quantities. Its effects on a nursing baby are unknown. Do not use cyclopentolate ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, there is a greater chance that you have increased pressure in your eyes. Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may worsen this condition. Your doctor will need to monitor this.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may cause unusual reactions in children and infants since they may be more susceptible to the side effects. Use extra caution when cyclopentolate ophthalmic is being used on a child.
Use cyclopentolate ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 to 3 minutes to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store cyclopentolate ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
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.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using cyclopentolate ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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an irregular or fast heart rate;
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hallucinations or unusual behavior (especially in children); or
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swollen or distended stomach (in infants).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use cyclopentolate ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
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blurred vision;
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sensitivity to sunlight;
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stinging and burning; or
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swelling of the eyelids.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 to 3 minutes after each drop to prevent the medicine from draining down your tear duct.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities. The effects of this medication can last for up to 24 hours. Be sure that your vision is clear before attempting any activity that could be dangerous.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes when you are going to be in bright light.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities. The effects of this medication can last for up to 24 hours. Be sure that your vision is clear before attempting any activity that could be dangerous.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may also make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes when you are going to be in bright light.
Cyclopentolate ophthalmic eye drops contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft contact lenses when the eye drops are being inserted.
Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cyclopentolate ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Flush the eye with water and seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a cyclopentolate ophthalmic overdose include headache, fast heartbeat, dry mouth and skin, unusual drowsiness, and flushing.