Common uses
Atropine ophthalmic is used to dilate (widen) your pupil when you have an inflammatory condition or in postsurgery situations in which this effect may be helpful.
Atropine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before using
Your doctor need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•closed-angle glaucoma
•other eye disease or problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to atropine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
Directions
Use atropine ophthalmic eye drops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using your eye drops or ointment.
To apply the eye drops:
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 to 3 minutes to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
To apply the ointment:
• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye near your nose for 1 to 3 minutes to prevent the ointment from draining down your tear duct. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.
Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store atropine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.
Cautions
If your symptoms do not get better within a few days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Atropine may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Atropine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Atropine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
Report any symptoms of fluid or electrolyte loss to your doctor: dry mouth; thirst; weakness; lethargy; drowsiness; restlessness; muscle pain or cramps; muscle weakness; low blood pressure; infrequent urination; rapid heartbeat; stomach disorders such as nausea and vomiting.
Atropine may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. It may help to wear sunglasses.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Atropine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Use Atropine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Atropine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 13 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Atropine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Atropine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Atropine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
Clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion or unusual behavior; dryness of skin; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushing or redness of face; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; skin rash; slurred speech; swollen stomach in infants; thirst or unusual dryness of mouth; unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Blurred vision; brief burning or stinging of the eyes; eye irritation not present before use of this medicine; increased sensitivity of eyes to light; swelling of the eyelids
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
If you take too much
Flush the eye with water and seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an atropine ophthalmic overdose include headache, fast heartbeat, dry mouth and skin, unusual drowsiness, flushing, coma, and death.
Additional information
Do NOT use Atropisol if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Atropine - Generic Atropisol
• you have adhesions between the iris and lens of the eyes, asthma, blocking of the stomach or bowel, ulcerative colitis, bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, difficulty urinating due to a blockage, excess acid in the stomach or throat, esophagus problems (difficulty swallowing), or bowel muscle weakness
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Drug interactions
Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atropine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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