Atropine is used to widen the pupil and relax the muscles of the eyes before an eye examination or surgery.
This medicine is also used to treat certain inflammations in the eye.
Atropine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Use Atropine in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution or ointment.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. You may gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1-3 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Atropine into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-3 minutes.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper or tube of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drops or ointment tube immediately after use. If the eye drops or ointment becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Atropine, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine. Eye ointments should be used last.
Do not share your eye drops or ointment with anyone else.
Some brands of Atropine contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
If you are using Atropine to treat eye inflammation, instil/apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to instil/apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) as Atropine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. rapid heartbeat
- fever or increased body heat after exposure to high surrounding temperature
- brain damage
- Down syndrome (genetic disorder associated with physical growth development delays and intellectual disability)
- spastic paralysis (continuous muscle contraction causing stiffness)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Atropine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Atropine may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry skin or eyes, dry mouth, constipation, flushing, rash, eyelid swelling, eye irritation, and pain, redness, or stinging sensation in the eye.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or abnormal heartbeat
- confusion, restlessness, irritability
- difficulty in controlling or coordinating movements
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) e.g. carbachol, pilocarpine, echothiopate
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. clozapine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. levodopa, amantadine
- medicines for irregular or abnormal heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine
- potassium supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atropine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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