Stamide

Indications

Tropicamide eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupil for a short time so that an eye doctor can examine the back of the eye (retina and optic nerve), and to relax the focusing muscle when checking glasses power. It is also part of some combination products: eye drops with Phenylephrine for stronger dilation, and an injection with Phenylephrine and Lidocaine that the surgeon puts into the eye during cataract surgery.

How It Works

Tropicamide is a short-acting anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medicine. It blocks the nerve signals that make the pupil small and that control focusing, so the pupil opens up. The effect starts within 15 to 30 minutes and usually wears off in 4 to 8 hours, sometimes up to a day.

Dosage and Administration

Usually put in by the eye doctor, optometrist or nurse at the clinic. For an eye examination, adults commonly receive 1 drop of 0.5% or 1% solution, which may be repeated after about 5 minutes. Children receive the dose the eye doctor chooses. Combination eye drops and the injection used in surgery are given only by eye care professionals, as prescribed. Pressing on the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes after the drop reduces absorption into the body.

Interactions

Other anticholinergic medicines (such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline, and Hyoscine) can add to side effects such as dry mouth and fast heartbeat. Tropicamide may reduce the effect of glaucoma drops such as Pilocarpine for a short time. Tell the eye doctor about all medicines you use.

Contraindications

Allergy to tropicamide or any ingredient; angle-closure glaucoma or a known narrow drainage angle in the eye, unless the eye doctor has decided dilation is safe.

Side Effects

Common: brief stinging, blurred vision (especially for near work) and sensitivity to light until the effect wears off. Less often: dry mouth, headache, flushing, fast heartbeat, and in children, restlessness, unusual behaviour or drowsiness.

Get urgent medical help if, after the eye examination, you have severe eye pain, a red eye, headache with nausea or vomiting, or see haloes around lights (possible sudden rise in eye pressure), or if a child becomes very hot, flushed, confused or unusually drowsy, or has a very fast heartbeat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Only a very small amount reaches the blood. It can be used in pregnancy and while breastfeeding when the eye doctor considers an examination necessary.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not drive, ride or use machines until your vision is back to normal; bring someone to drive you home after an eye examination. Wear sunglasses outdoors. Remove contact lenses before the drops and wait until the effect wears off before putting them back. Babies, young children and older people are more sensitive to side effects.

Overdose

Swallowing the drops, especially by a child, can cause flushing, dry skin, fever, fast heartbeat, confusion or hallucinations. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) mydriatic and cycloplegic eye medicine.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Throw away eye drops 4 weeks after first opening.