Atropine ophthalmic: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Overview: Atropine ophthalmic is an eye drop used to dilate the pupils and relax eye muscles before eye exams or procedures. It is also used to treat lazy eye. The most common side effects are pain and stinging after placing the drop in the eye. Atropine ophthalmic causes blurry vision and sensitivity to light for up to two weeks. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions and increased blood pressure.

Uses

What is atropine ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Atropine ophthalmic is commonly used to widen the pupils (dilation) and paralyze certain eye muscles to get your eyes ready for an eye exam or procedure.

Atropine ophthalmic is also commonly used to treat lazy eye (amblyopia).

Atropine ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does atropine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Atropine ophthalmic works by blocking signals to certain eye muscles that control pupil size and focus. This dilates, or widens, the pupils and relaxes the eye muscles, temporarily stopping the eye from focusing on close objects. These effects help prepare your eye for an eye exam or procedure.

Atropine ophthalmic works for lazy eye (amblyopia) by temporarily blurring vision in your other, stronger eye. This process, known as penalization, encourages the brain to use the weaker ("lazy") eye more, which can help improve vision over time.

How is atropine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

Isopto Atropine

Dosage forms and strengths

1% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store atropine ophthalmic?

Atropine ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you're transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep the lid tightly closed between uses.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of atropine ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of atropine ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Eye pain and stinging after you put the drop in your eye
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Less tears than usual
Increased blood pressure and heart rate (see below)

There may be other side effects of atropine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of atropine ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of atropine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Atropine ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using atropine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Heart Rate. Atropine ophthalmic mainly works in the eye, but it may be absorbed into the blood and cause whole-body (systemic) side effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Call your health care provider if your heart is beating faster than usual or if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

Loss of vision
Eye pain or redness
Sudden severe headache
Chest pain
Dizziness or confusion
Trouble breathing
Nausea or vomiting
New or worsening vision problems
Anxiety
Buzzing in the ears
Nosebleed
Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use atropine ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use atropine ophthalmic.

Atropine
Isopto Atropine
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific atropine ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about atropine ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use atropine ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share atropine ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep atropine ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Atropine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use.

Atropine ophthalmic causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light for up to two weeks. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until your eyes go back to normal. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light.

What should I tell my health care provider before using atropine ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if atropine ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

High Blood Pressure or Heart Problems. Atropine ophthalmic may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of heart or blood pressure problems.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Atropine ophthalmic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using atropine ophthalmic, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how atropine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They will let you know if you should use atropine ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if atropine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. They will let you know if you should use atropine ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does atropine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between atropine ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect atropine ophthalmic.

Does atropine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Before using atropine ophthalmic, make sure that you discuss if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks. It's a medicine that's usually for depression or Parkinson's disease.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with atropine ophthalmic. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much atropine ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much atropine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.