Atropine Sulfate eent

Ophthalmologic Examination

Used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for refraction (e.g., retina and optic disc examination, measurement of refractive error).104 a b However, because of long duration of action relative to that of other anticholinergic agents, atropine is seldom, if ever, used for cycloplegic refraction in adults.101

In rare cases, ophthalmic atropine use may be necessary to achieve maximal cycloplegia in pediatric patients, but cyclopentolate is more frequently used.102 103

Ophthalmic Inflammation

Management of acute inflammatory conditions (e.g., iridocyclitis) of the iris and uveal tract (e.g., uveitis).104 a b

Amblyopia

Used for cycloplegic effects in the treatment of suppression amblyopia (lazy eye) to reduce the visual acuity of the unaffected eye below that of the amblyopic one and force fixation with the amblyopic eye.a 101

Excess Accommodation and Convergence

Used to treat patients with a functional excess of accommodation and convergence.a

Absorption

Bioavailability

Following topical application to the eye, readily absorbed transconjunctivally.a

Onset

Following topical application to the eye, maximum mydriasis occurs in about 30–40 minutes, and maximum cycloplegia occurs after several hours.a

Duration

Mydriasis generally lasts about 7–12 days, and cycloplegia persists for up to 14 days or longer.a

Special Populations

Onset of effects may be slower and duration more prolonged in individuals with heavily pigmented irides.a (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether atropine is distributed into milk after topical application to the eye.104

• After topical application to the eye, blocks responses of the sphincter muscle of the iris and the accommodative ciliary muscle of the ciliary body to cholinergic stimulation.101 102 104 a b

• Produces pupillary dilation (mydriasis) and paralysis of accommodation (cycloplegia).101 102 104 a b

• Slower onset of mydriatic and cycloplegic action and more prolonged ocular effects than most other anticholinergic drugs.101 102 a

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name