Crystal Violet

Indications

Homatropine Hydrobromide eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupil and relax the focusing muscle of the eye. They are used to treat painful inflammation inside the front of the eye (uveitis or iritis), to prevent the iris from sticking to the lens, and sometimes before or after eye examinations and surgery or to measure glasses power in children.

How It Works

Homatropine is an anticholinergic medicine. It blocks the nerve signals that make the pupil narrow and the focusing (ciliary) muscle contract. This makes the pupil larger and relaxes the eye muscles, which reduces pain and spasm in inflamed eyes. Its effect lasts from several hours to a few days, shorter than Atropine.

Dosage and Administration

Use exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor. For uveitis, adults commonly use 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye 2 to 3 times a day, but your doctor may advise differently. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put the drop inside. Then close the eye and press gently on the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce absorption into the body. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye.

Interactions

Effects may add to other anticholinergic medicines such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, Amantadine and some antipsychotics, increasing dry mouth, confusion or fast heartbeat. It can counteract glaucoma drops such as Pilocarpine. Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops.

Contraindications

Do not use if you have, or are at risk of, narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Homatropine or any ingredient in the drops. Use with special care in infants and young children.

Side Effects

Common effects are blurred vision, especially for close work, sensitivity to bright light, and stinging when the drops are put in. Less often, redness or swelling of the eyelids may occur. If absorbed, it can cause dry mouth, flushing, fast heartbeat, fever, restlessness or confusion, more likely in children and older people.

Get urgent medical help if you have sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea and seeing haloes around lights (possible acute glaucoma), or if a child becomes very restless, confused, flushed, hot or has a fast heartbeat after using the drops, or if there are signs of an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if your doctor thinks it is needed. Pressing on the inner corner of the eye after each drop reduces the amount that reaches the body.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not drive, operate machinery or do work needing clear vision until your sight is normal again. Sunglasses help with light sensitivity. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, heart disease, an enlarged prostate or Down syndrome. Do not use after the period stated on the label once the bottle is opened (usually 4 weeks).

Overdose

Swallowing the drops, or using too many, especially in children, can cause flushing, dry skin, fever, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations and seizures. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Anticholinergic mydriatic and cycloplegic eye preparation.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and do not freeze.