Atropine Sulfate, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: ophthalmic anticholinergic

Generic and brand names: atropine sulfate, ophthalmic; Atropisol; Atropine-Care; Isopto Atropine; Ocu-tropine

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is put in the eyes to dilate the pupils for eye exams and sometimes for surgery. It is also used to relieve pain caused by inflammation in the eye.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• glaucoma or other eye disease

Tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes as eyedrops and eye ointment. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more or use more often than directed. Using too much of this medicine may cause increased redness and irritation in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. After using the medicine, wait at least 15 minutes before putting contacts back in.

Wash your hands before and after putting medicine in your eyes.

If you have the ointment:

Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you use the medicine for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Look up, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Holding the tube directly above your eye, squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and roll your eyes in all directions to spread the medicine around.

If you have the eyedrops:

Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out.

Do not rub your eyes. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: headache, fast heartbeat, dry mouth or skin, unusual drowsiness, flushing, coma.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine widens your pupils, so your eyes may be more sensitive to bright light. Wear dark glasses outdoors.

This medicine may cause temporary blurring of your vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.

Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not share eye medicines with others.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other medicines in your eyes. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which medicine to use first. You may need to allow some time between applications of these products or to stop using the other medicines.

If your eyes do not get better after a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new redness, irritation, or swelling that develops while you are using the medicine; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe eye pain; hallucinations, severe confusion, trouble urinating.

Other: Stinging or blurred vision after applying the medicine, sensitivity to light, tearing, dry mouth.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure that your healthcare provider knows about any other products you are using in your eyes.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.