Atropine Ophthalmic

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when atropine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Children can absorb larger amounts of the medicine and may be more likely to have side effects.

Call a doctor at once if the person using atropine ophthalmic has:

• severe burning or stinging of the eyes;
• severe eye redness or irritation;
• fast heart rate, restlessness or irritability;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety.

This medicine will cause blurred vision that could last up to 2 weeks. This may impair your reactions while driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stinging or pain when the drops are placed into your eye;
• mild eye pain;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• puffy or watery eyes;
• blurred vision; or
• your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not use atropine eye drops while wearing contact lenses. The medicine may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting in your contact lenses.

Atropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors or in bright light.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Although it is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on atropine used in the eyes, many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Your eye doctor will check your or your child's eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or make your eyes sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses while you are using this medicine. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not drive until your pupils are no longer dilated.

You should not give this medicine to a child unless under your doctor tells you to.

Do not use other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Multiple days

Half-Life Elimination

2.5 ± 0.8 hours

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Ophthalmic: Wash hands before and after use. Avoid touching tip of applicator to eye or other surfaces. Finger pressure should be applied to lacrimal sac for 1 to 3 minutes after instillation to decrease risk of absorption and systemic reactions.

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Elevated blood pressure: May occur due to systemic absorption following conjunctival instillation.

• Photophobia/blurred vision: May last up to 2 weeks due to pupil unresponsiveness and cycloplegia.

Disease-related concerns:

• Brain damage: Use with caution in patients with brain damage; these patients are particularly susceptible to CNS disturbances and cardiopulmonary and GI toxicity from systemic absorption of atropine.

• Down syndrome: Use with caution in patients with Down syndrome; these patients are particularly susceptible to CNS disturbances and cardiopulmonary and GI toxicity from systemic absorption of atropine.

• Spastic paralysis: Use with caution in patients with spastic paralysis; these patients are particularly susceptible to CNS disturbances and cardiopulmonary and GI toxicity from systemic absorption of atropine.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Benzalkonium chloride: Some products may contain benzalkonium chloride which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: To avoid precipitating angle closure glaucoma, an estimation of the depth of the anterior chamber angle should be made prior to use.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma.

Do not use atropine eye drops while wearing contact lenses. The medicine may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting in your contact lenses.

Atropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors or in bright light.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

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

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye conditions, Down's syndrome, brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children).

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. Do not allow this medication to get into the child's mouth. Remember to wash your hands after each use.

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.