This medication is used before eye examinations (such as
refraction exams). It belongs to a class of drugs known as
anticholinergics. Cyclopentolate works by temporarily widening (dilating)
the pupil of the eye and relaxing the muscles of the eye.
Use this medication in the eye as directed by your
doctor, usually 40 to 50 minutes before the procedure. The dose may need to
be repeated in 5 to 10 minutes. This medication is for use in the eye only.
Do not take by mouth or inject.
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. Ask your doctor when you can start wearing them again. If you
are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), ask
your doctor when you should start using them again.
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 drop into the pouch. 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 away from the eye and reduce side effects. Try not
to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for
more than 1 drop or for your other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after
use.
If you are using this medicine in a child's eye(s), do
not get any medicine in the child's mouth. Wash your hands and your child's
hands after use to remove any medicine from them.
This medication may temporarily change digestion in
infants. Do not feed an infant for 4 hours after the infant's eye
exam.
This medication starts to work in minutes, and its
effect usually lasts 24 hours or sometimes longer. Tell your doctor if you
continue to have blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or dilated pupils
several days after your exam.
Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or
temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- dizziness
- fainting
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations,
restlessness, strange behavior)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
- slow/shallow breathing
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using cyclopentolate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (such as
atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- Down's syndrome
- brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children)
- heart disease
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to
light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when
outdoors.
Infants or small children may be more sensitive to the
side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes. If using this
medication in an infant, watch the infant closely for 30 minutes after the
medication is applied.
Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of
this drug, especially increased pressure in the eye.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred
vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (such as
hallucinations), loss of coordination.
Do not share this medication with others.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. If you are
using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately
after use. Keep all medications 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.