Atrokid

Indications

Atropine Sulfate eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupil and relax the focusing muscle of the eye (cycloplegia). They are used for eye examinations that need full relaxation of focusing, especially in children, to measure the need for glasses; to rest the eye and reduce pain in inflammation of the iris and front of the eye (uveitis or iritis); to prevent the iris sticking to the lens; and to blur the stronger eye in treating lazy eye (amblyopia). Very low strength drops (such as 0.01%) are used under specialist care to slow the worsening of short sight (myopia) in children.

How It Works

Atropine blocks the action of acetylcholine, a nerve messenger, on the muscles of the iris and the focusing muscle (ciliary muscle). As a result, the pupil becomes large and the eye cannot focus on near objects. The effect is strong and long lasting, often several days to two weeks. In low doses for myopia it is thought to act on the eye's growth signals.

Dosage and Administration

Use exactly as directed by your eye doctor; the strength, number of drops and how often depend on the reason for use and the patient's age. Wash your hands, tilt the head back, pull down the lower lid and place one drop into the pocket. Then press gently on the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce absorption into the body, which is very important in children. Wipe away any excess and wash hands again.

Interactions

Other medicines with anticholinergic effects (such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline, Chlorpromazine and medicines for bladder spasm) may add to side effects such as dry mouth, fast heartbeat and confusion. Atropine reduces the effect of pupil narrowing drops such as Pilocarpine.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Atropine or any ingredient.
• Narrow angle glaucoma or a narrow drainage angle (risk of a sudden painful rise in eye pressure).
• Babies under 3 months, unless a specialist decides otherwise.
• Children with Down syndrome, spastic paralysis or brain damage need special caution.

Side Effects

Expected effects are blurred near vision and sensitivity to light, which can last for days. Stinging, redness or swelling of the eyelids may occur. If absorbed into the body, it can cause dry mouth, flushed face, fever, fast heartbeat, constipation, difficulty passing urine, restlessness or confusion, especially in children and older people.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe eye pain with redness, headache, seeing haloes, nausea or vomiting (possible acute glaucoma), or if a child becomes very flushed, hot, agitated, confused, drowsy or has a very fast heartbeat after using the drops.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Small amounts may be absorbed. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if your eye doctor considers it necessary, and press on the inner corner of the eye after each drop.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not drive or use machines while your vision is blurred. Wear sunglasses in bright light. Remove soft contact lenses before use. Use with care in people with heart disease, fast heart rhythm, an enlarged prostate, an overactive thyroid, fever or in hot weather (atropine reduces sweating). Never use more than prescribed, especially in babies and small children.

Overdose

Swallowing the drops or using too much can be dangerous, especially in children, causing hot dry flushed skin, fever, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, agitation, hallucinations, seizures or drowsiness. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) mydriatic and cycloplegic eye preparation.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening, or as directed on the pack. Single dose units are discarded after use.