Why is this medicine prescribed?
Tropicamide ophthalmic is used to cause pupil dilation (making the black center of the eye bigger) before an eye examination. Tropicamide is in a class of medications called mydriatics. It works by relaxing certain muscles in the eye.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Tropicamide ophthalmic comes as a solution to place into the eye. Your healthcare provider will place the solution into the eye(s) prior to an eye examination.
You should remove your contact lenses before this medication is given.
You may be instructed to press on the inside corners of your eyes, near your nose, for 2-3 minutes after the drops are given to help absorption into the eye(s).
Tropicamide ophthalmic may take about 15-20 minutes or more to fully work. Effects generally may last for up to 4 to 8 hours, but may last up to 24 hours in some people.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving tropicamide ophthalmic,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving tropicamide ophthalmic. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- you should know that your vision may be blurred after your treatment with tropicamide ophthalmic. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are unable to see clearly.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to protect your eyes (e.g., use sunglasses). Tropicamide may make your eyes sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Tropicamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or those in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section are severe or do not go away:
- stinging in the eye
- headache
- dry mouth
- nausea, vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:
- changes in behavior or mental confusion (usually in children)
- difficulty breathing (usually in children)
Tropicamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.