atropine

This medication is used before eye examinations (e.g., refraction) and to treat certain eye conditions (e.g., uveitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Atropine works by widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye.

If you are using this drug on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

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 eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing 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 one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1-2 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. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, apply it usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. Do not use the solution if it turns brown or cloudy or if it contains particles. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5-10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, you can get the most benefit from it by not missing any doses. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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 them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., quinidine, procainamide), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine), antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine), 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. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations), loss of coordination.

Before using atropine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (e.g., scopolamine); 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. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye conditions, 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 infants or small children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Do not allow this medication to get into the child's mouth. Remember to wash your hands after each use. 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 between 46-80 degrees F (8-27 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use. 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.

Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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: dizziness, fainting, new or increased eye pressure/pain/swelling/discharge. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, agitation), fast/irregular heartbeat. 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.