Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic

In the U.S.

• AK-Pentolate
• Cyclogyl
• Cylate
• Ocu-Pentolate

In Canada

• Minims Cyclopentolate 0.5%
• Minims Cyclopentolate 1%

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Mydriatic-Cycloplegic

Pharmacologic Class: Antimuscarinic

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and with the index finger of one hand, press gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 2 or 3 minutes, to allow the medicine to be absorbed. This is especially important in infants.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. If you are using the eye drops for an infant or child, be sure to wash the infant's or child's hands also, and do not let any of the medicine get in the infant's or child's mouth.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Use cyclopentolate only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

Dosing

The dose of cyclopentolate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of cyclopentolate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  • For eye examinations:
    • Adults—One drop 40 to 50 minutes before the exam. Dose may be repeated in five to ten minutes.
    • Children—One drop 40 to 50 minutes before the exam. After five to ten minutes, another drop may be used.
    • Babies—One drop of 0.5% solution.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of cyclopentolate, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

You should not receive this medicine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to cyclopentolate ophthalmic, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma.

To make sure cyclopentolate ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cyclopentolate ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether cyclopentolate ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on cyclopentolate used in the eyes. But 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.

Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, restlessness, strange behavior).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night), slow/shallow breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Instill one or two drops of 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution in the eye(s). May repeat in 5 to 10 minutes if needed.

Data not available

Feedings should be withheld for 4 hours after examinations in infants.

Patients shold be advised to wash hands thoroughly after use.