Tropicamide

Tropicamide — Uses and Benefits

Tropicamide eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyse the focusing muscle of the eye, mainly for diagnostic and pre-procedure purposes.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Dilating the pupil before a detailed eye examination
• Allowing the doctor to examine the retina and back of the eye clearly
• Preparing the eye before certain eye procedures or surgery
• Helping in refraction tests to check the correct eyeglass number

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks certain receptors in the eye muscles
• This relaxes the muscle that controls pupil size, causing it to widen
• Also relaxes the muscle that helps the eye focus on near objects
• Effect is temporary and wears off within a few hours

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used to treat eye infections
• Not used for long-term or regular vision correction
• Not used to relieve eye pain from injury
• Not a treatment for glaucoma; in fact it can worsen certain types of glaucoma

How to Use Tropicamide

HOW TO TAKE IT

• This medicine is given as eye drops, usually by a doctor or trained staff in a clinic setting
• Tilt the head back and look up while the drop is placed in the lower eyelid pocket
• Avoid blinking rapidly after the drop is put in
• Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or any surface
• Wear sunglasses afterward as the eyes will be sensitive to light
• Avoid driving or doing close-up tasks until vision returns to normal, usually within a few hours

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• This medicine is usually given once, as needed, under medical supervision, so a missed dose situation does not usually apply
• If it is part of a prescribed course, follow the schedule your doctor has given and ask if you are unsure

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat
• Keep the bottle tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Discard any opened bottle as advised by your pharmacist

Tropicamide — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Temporary blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Mild stinging or burning on application
• Dry mouth

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Eye redness or irritation
• Difficulty focusing on near objects for a few hours

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden loss of vision
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing
• Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behaviour (rare, more common in children and elderly)
• Significant increase in eye pressure (severe pain with nausea and vomiting)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tropicamide — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India, and is usually administered in a clinical setting.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to tropicamide or any similar eye drop ingredients
• Have narrow-angle glaucoma or a tendency for high eye pressure, unless specifically advised by an eye doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any type of glaucoma or eye pressure problems
• Have heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• Have Down syndrome (may be more sensitive to the drug)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are giving this to a young child or infant
• Have had a reaction to eye drops before

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other medicines that widen the pupil or affect eye pressure
• Medicines with anticholinergic effects, such as certain cold and allergy medicines
• Inform your doctor about all eye drops, supplements, and medicines you are using

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the pupil stay dilated after using this?

It usually lasts a few hours, but can vary from person to person; vision may remain blurred during this time.

Can I drive after getting this eye drop?

It is best to avoid driving until your vision returns to normal, as your eyes will be more sensitive to light and focusing will be difficult.

Is this medicine safe for children?

• It can be used in children under medical supervision, but doses and monitoring need to be more careful as children may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.