Uses
This medication is used before eye examinations (such as refraction) and to treat certain eye conditions (such as uveitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Atropine works by widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye.
How to use Atropine 0.01 % (In 0.9 Sodium Chloride) Eye Drops
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. Do not use the solution if it turns brown or cloudy or if it contains particles.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5-10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.
If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, you can get the most benefit from it by not missing any doses. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using it for the full time prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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, new or increased eye pressure/pain/swelling/discharge, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation), fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away 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.
Precautions
Before using atropine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (such as hyoscyamine, scopolamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), Down's syndrome, brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children).
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.
This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when outdoors.
Infants or small children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Do not allow this medication to get into the child's mouth. Remember to wash your hands after each use.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations), loss of coordination.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are using this drug on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.