What is Tropicamide?
Tropicamide eye drops are used to stimulate the relaxation of the muscles in the eye. It dilates (widens) the pupil so that when the doctor shines an exam light into the eye, it does not respond (narrow). The ophthalmic tropicamide is used for an eye test or other medical treatment to dilate the pupil.
- Tropicamide has an anticholinergic property and is a synthetic muscarinic antagonist with actions similar to atropine.
- Upon ocular administration, it blocks the muscarinic receptors in the sphincter and ciliary muscle in the eye.
- This inhibits cholinergic stimulus responses, causing pupil dilation and ciliary muscle paralysis.
- Tropicamide is a diagnostic agent used for producing short-duration mydriasis and cycloplegia.
What are the Uses of Tropicamide?
Tropicamide is used to widen the pupil of the eye in preparation for certain eye examinations. It belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs and works by relaxing certain eye muscles.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side Effects of Tropicamide Eye Drops?
Some of the common side effects of Tropicamide are:
- Blurred vision
- Mild stinging of eyes
- Eyes can be more sensitive to lights
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Some of the serious side effects of Tropicamide are:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling light-headed
The doctor usually prescribes medicines after weighing the benefits and side effects. Many people who are using this medication have not shown any serious side effects. Consult the eye doctor if you are having any serious side effects.
What precautions should be taken before using Tropicamide?
Before using Tropicamide drops, talk with your doctor if:
- You are allergic to it or any other medications.
- You are having any medical history such as:
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Down syndrome
- Brain damage
- Spastic paralysis
How to Use Tropicamide Drug?
- The medication should be used 15 to 20 minutes before an eye examination or as directed by the doctor.
- If you are wearing any contact lenses, remove them before using the medication.
- Before applying the eye drops, wash your hands.
- To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eyes or any other surface.
- Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
- Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 or 2 drops in the pouch.
- Look downward and gently close the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place one finger at the corner of the eye and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes (It will prevent the medication from draining out and being absorbed by the body).
- Avoid blinking or rubbing your eyes.
- If you are using any other eye medications, wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying them.
- Use eye drops before applying eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Missed Dose
- Since tropicamide ophthalmic is usually administered only during an eye test, you are likely to be on a dosing schedule.
- Apply the missing dose as soon as you recall if you are on a schedule.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Avoid using extra doses to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
- Overdose of a drug can be accidental.
- If you have used more than the prescribed tropicamide, then there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your eyes.
- Avoid overdose and contact your doctor immediately
Tropicamide Interactions with Other Medications?
- The doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of this and might be watching you for any potential medication interactions.
- Do not start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal drugs you are using before taking these drugs:
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine)
- Antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine)
- Some antiarrhythmic medicines (e.g., quinidine)
- Certain Parkinson's disease medicines (e.g., dicyclomine)
- Certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine)
Storage of Ultracet Medicine
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines.
- Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects.
- The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Tropicamide Vs Atropine
| Tropicamide | Atropine |
|---|---|
| Tropicamide has an anticholinergic property and is a synthetic muscarinic antagonist with actions similar to atropine. | Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from the alkaloid plant belladonna. Atropine works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine's actions.. |
| Tropicamide medication is used for widening the pupil of the eye in preparation for certain eye examinations. This belongs to the class of drugs which is known as anticholinergics. | Atropine is used before the eye examinations and can treat some types of eye conditions. This belongs to the class of drugs which is known as anticholinergics. |
Some of the common side effects of Tropicamide are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Atropine are:
|
Citations
Tropicamide: Comparative Cycloplegic Effects, ID:10.1001/archopht.1961.00960010338007 Preparation and evaluation of liposomal formulations of tropicamide for ocular delivery, ID:10.1016/S0378-5173(99)00265-3Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Tropicamide is a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Tropicamide works by relaxing specific eye muscles.
Tropicamide can be used in the eye to widen the pupils so they won’t respond to lights. It is mainly used for diagnostic procedures.
Tropicamide is a parasympatholytic drug with short-acting properties. It suppresses the parasympathetic constrictor muscle in the iris, resulting in pupil dilation.
For medical purposes, tropicamide is used at a 1% concentration to dilate the pupil.
Yes. Tropicamide, as an alternative, is regarded as a safe agent for cycloplegic refraction and is a synthetic analogue of tropical acid.
Yes, Tropicamide is an antimuscarinic medication that, when used as eye drops, causes short-acting mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia.
