Atropine Eye Ointment

How does it work?

Atropine belongs to the group of medicines called anti-muscarinics. Atropine blocks the receptors in the muscles of the eye (muscarinic receptors). These receptors are involved in controlling the pupil size and the shape of the lens. By blocking these receptors, atropine produces dilatation of the pupil (mydriasis) and prevents the eye from accommodating for near vision (cycloplegia). Atropine is given as eye drops to dilate the pupil and relax the lens so that eye examinations can be carried out thoroughly. It is often used to aid eye examinations in young children. It is also used to relax the muscles that inflame and over-contract in the eye in conditions such as uveitus. Irises that are dark in colour require larger doses of eye drops as they do not dilate as easily in response to this medicine.

What is it used for?

Dilating the pupil to aid examination of the eye

Inflammation of the coloured part of the eye and the muscle that controls it (uveitis)

Warning!

Do not drive unless you can see clearly.

You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This it because the medicine contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Increased pressure within the eye ball (raised intraocular pressure)

Infants under 3 months of age

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irritation in area of use

Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)

Swelling of a small area (local oedema)

Stinging and blurring of vision

Watering eyes (lacrimation)

Raised pressure inside the eye

Red eye due to excess blood supply (hyperaemia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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