Mydrate

Indications

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupil and to temporarily relax the focusing muscle of the eye. This allows an eye doctor to examine the back of the eye and to measure accurately whether glasses are needed, especially in children. It is also used to ease pain and reduce complications in some inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye).

How It Works

Cyclopentolate is an anticholinergic medicine. It blocks the action of acetylcholine on the muscles of the iris and the ciliary body inside the eye. This lets the pupil widen and stops the eye from focusing on near objects (cycloplegia) for several hours, usually up to 24 hours.

Dosage and Administration

The dose depends on the strength (usually 0.5% or 1%), the patient's age and eye colour, and is decided by the eye doctor. For an eye examination it is usually instilled by a doctor or nurse in the clinic, often 1 drop repeated once after 5 to 10 minutes. For inflammatory eye conditions, use exactly as prescribed. After putting in the drops, press gently on the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce absorption into the body, and wash your hands.

Interactions

• Other anticholinergic medicines (such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, Atropine or medicines for overactive bladder) may increase side effects.
• It may reduce the effect of glaucoma eye drops such as Pilocarpine.
• Tell your doctor about all eye drops and medicines you use.

Contraindications

• Narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma or a narrow drainage angle in the eye, as it can trigger a sudden rise in eye pressure.
• Allergy to cyclopentolate or any ingredient.
• Not usually used in premature or very young babies except under specialist care.

Side Effects

Expected effects include blurred vision, especially for near objects, sensitivity to bright light and stinging on putting the drops in. Others include eye redness, irritation and dry mouth. Children and older people are more likely to have effects on the whole body, such as flushing, fever, fast heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, unsteadiness, drowsiness or hallucinations.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe eye pain with redness, headache, nausea or seeing halos (signs of raised eye pressure), or if a child becomes confused, very drowsy, agitated, has a fast heartbeat or a seizure after the drops.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used only when the eye doctor considers it necessary. Pressing on the inner corner of the eye after use reduces the amount reaching the body.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not drive, operate machinery or do close work until your vision is clear again.
• Wear sunglasses in bright light while the pupils are dilated.
• Use extra caution in children, older people, people with Down syndrome, brain injury or a history of seizures.
• Remove soft contact lenses before use unless told otherwise.
• Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or any surface.

Overdose

Too many drops, or swallowing the solution, can cause flushing, dry skin and mouth, fever, fast heartbeat, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and, rarely, seizures, especially in children. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Anticholinergic mydriatic and cycloplegic eye preparation.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light, with the bottle tightly closed. Do not freeze. Discard 4 weeks after first opening or as stated on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.