Isopto Atropine

Generic name: Atropine Ophthalmic
Drug class: Mydriatics

Usage of Isopto Atropine

Isopto Atropine (for the eyes) is used in adults and children at least 3 months old to dilate (widen) your pupil before an eye exam or surgery, treat eye swelling, or to treat a condition called amblyopia (sometimes called 'lazy eye').

Isopto Atropine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Isopto Atropine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when atropine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Isopto Atropine will cause sensitivity to light and blurred vision that could last up to 2 weeks.

Children can absorb larger amounts of the medicine and may be more likely to have side effects.

Isopto Atropine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe burning or stinging of the eyes;

severe eye redness or irritation;

fast heart rate, restlessness or irritability;

signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;

flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or

high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects of Isopto Atropine may include:

mild stinging or pain when the drops are placed into your eye;

dry mouth, eyes, nose, or throat;

fast heart rate; increased blood pressure;

red, irritated or watery eyes;

drowsiness; or

vision problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Isopto Atropine

You should not use Isopto Atropine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

high blood pressure;

glaucoma; or

a history of sensitivity to Belladonna alkaloids such as belladonna, homatropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, or methscopolamine.

It is not known if Isopto Atropine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not allow a young child to use Isopto Atropine without help from an adult.

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How to use Isopto Atropine

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before and after using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

To apply the ointment: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into this pocket. Blink gently and then close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe away excess ointment with a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

What other drugs will affect Isopto Atropine

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

a MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

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