AK-Pentolate Ophthalmic

In the U.S.

• AK-Dilate
• AK-Pentolate
• Altafrin
• Atropine Care
• Cyclogyl
• Cyclomydril
• Eye Cool
• Homatropaire
• Isopto Atropine
• Isopto Homatropine
• Isopto Hyoscine
• Mydfrin
• Mydral
• Mydriacyl
• Neofrin
• Neo-Synephrine
• Omidria
• Paremyd

In Canada

• Ak-Dilate
• Ak-Pentolate
• Atropine
• Atropine-Ak
• Atropine Eye Ointment
• Atropine Ointment
• Atropisol
• Minims Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Solution

After you apply this medicine to your eyes:

• Your pupils will become unusually large and you will have blurring of vision, especially for close objects. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.
• Your eyes will become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright lights.

These effects may continue for several days after you stop using this medicine. However, check with your doctor if they continue longer than:

• 14 days if you are using atropine.
• 3 days if you are using homatropine.
• 7 days if you are using scopolamine.

This medication is used before eye examinations (e.g., refraction exams). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Cyclopentolate works by temporarily widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye and relaxing the muscles of the eye.

How to use AK-Pentolate Drops

This medication is usually applied in the eye 40 to 50 minutes before the procedure or as directed by your doctor. The dose may need to be repeated in 5 to 10 minutes. This medication is for use in the eye only. Do not take by mouth or inject.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Ask your doctor when you can start wearing them again. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), ask your doctor when you should start using them again.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye and reduce side effects. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop or for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use.

If you are using this medicine in a child's eye(s), do not get any medicine in the child's mouth. Wash your hands and your child's hands after use to remove any medicine from them.

This medication may temporarily change digestion in infants. Do not feed an infant for 4 hours after the infant's eye exam.

This medication starts to work in minutes, and its effect usually lasts 24 hours or sometimes longer. Tell your doctor if you continue to have blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or dilated pupils several days after your exam.

Before using cyclopentolate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (e.g., atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), Down's syndrome, brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children), heart disease.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when outdoors.

Caution is advised when using this drug in infants or small children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes. If using this medication in an infant, watch the infant closely for 30 minutes after the medication is applied.

Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to side effects of this drug, especially increased pressure in the eye.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations), loss of coordination.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store between 46-80 degrees F (8-27 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised June 2017. Copyright(c) 2017 First Databank, Inc.

Applies to cyclopentolate ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

Along with its needed effects, cyclopentolate ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Ak-Pentolate) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking cyclopentolate ophthalmic:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• constipation, full feeling, passing gas, or stomach cramps or pain
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• convulsions (seizures)
• fever
• flushing or redness of face
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• passing urine less often
• skin rash
• slurred speech
• swollen stomach (in infants)
• thirst or dryness of mouth
• unusual behavior, such as disorientation to time or place, failure to recognize people, hyperactivity, or restlessness, especially in children
• unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

Some side effects of cyclopentolate ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Blurred vision
• burning of eye
• eye irritation not present before therapy
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light