Uses

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.

How To Use

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.

Side Effects

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.

Precautions

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 any activity that requires 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 breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. 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 (such as hallucinations), loss of coordination.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

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.