tropicamide

This medication is used to widen (dilate) the pupil of the eye in preparation for certain eye examinations. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Tropicamide works by relaxing certain eye muscles.

Not applicable.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using this medication. Ask your doctor when you may replace your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 or 2 drops into the pouch, usually 15 to 20 minutes before an eye examination or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out and being absorbed by your body. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. Wash your hands after using this medication. If giving this medication to a child, do not let the medication get into the child's mouth. Also wash the child's hands after giving this medication.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine), antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine), certain anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., quinidine, procainamide), certain drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), other eye medications, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using tropicamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow-angle). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (open-angle), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, heart disease (e.g., irregular heart rhythm, coronary artery disease), Down's syndrome, brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children). After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation). Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light. Do not refrigerate or store at high temperatures. Keep container tightly closed. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Eye stinging, temporary blurred vision, dry mouth, or eye sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, feeling as if something is in the eye, swelling in or around the eyes, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, mental/mood changes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication is also used to treat swelling in different parts of the eye (e.g., iritis, iridocyclitis, keratitis).