Atropine Eye Drops

• It is used to widen the pupil before an eye exam or eye surgery.
• It is used to treat eye swelling.
• It is used to treat lazy eye (amblyopia).

For all patients taking this medicine (atropine eye drops):

• If you have an allergy to atropine or any other part of this medicine.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have glaucoma.

Children:

• If your child has had a bad reaction to this medicine (atropine eye drops) in the past.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (atropine eye drops) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for clear eyesight while your pupils are dilated.
• Bright lights may bother you for some time after using this medicine (atropine eye drops). Wear sunglass for as long as you were told by your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If this medicine is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (atropine eye drops) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
• Do not give this medicine (atropine eye drops) to a child younger than 3 months of age.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Take out contact lenses before using this medicine (atropine eye drops). Talk with your doctor to see when lenses may be put back in after this medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Flushing.
• Restlessness.
• Feeling irritable.
• Dry mouth.
• Dry skin.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.