Tropicamide
About
Tropicamide belongs to the class of ‘anticholinergic and anti-muscarinic agents,’ primarily used to widen (dilate) the pupil for an eye examination or other diagnostic procedures. Tropicamide is also used to treat uveitis. Uveitis is considered an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. Dilation of the pupil plays an important role in eye operative (intraocular) procedures like cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye) surgery to reduce complications during the operation and for better exposure of the cataract during surgery.
Tropicamide contains ‘Tropicamide’ that belongs to the class of ‘Muscarinic Antagonists’ and ‘Mydriatics’ (that dilate pupils). Tropicamide is an anticholinergic agent that works by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activity (acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals to nerve cells). This process further causes short-acting mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and cycloplegia (temporary paralysis of the eye) that helps to properly examine different parts of the eye like the lens, vitreous humor, and retina.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your medical condition. Common side effects of Tropicamide include blurry vision, dry mouth, eye sensitivity, and stinging sensation in the eyes. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor’s advice.
Let your doctor know if you are sensitive to Tropicamide or any other medications. Before using Tropicamide, let your doctor know if you have liver, kidney, or heart diseases, eye diseases like glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and any other medical history. Tropicamide may cause blurry vision, hence do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better. Avoid the contact of Tropicamide dispensing containers with eyes, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to prevent contamination. A pregnant and breastfeeding woman should consult their doctor before using Tropicamide.
Uses of Tropicamide
Medicinal Benefits
Tropicamide helps in the dilation of pupils for better observation of the structure of the eye. It contains ‘Tropicamide’ that belongs to the class of 'Muscarinic Antagonists’ and ‘Mydriatics.’ Tropicamide is an anticholinergic agent that relaxes the eye muscles. It blocks the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activity, causing short-acting mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and cycloplegia (temporary paralysis of the eye). This dilation helps properly examine various eye parts like a lens, vitreous humor, and retina. Mydriatics like Tropicamide can also be used in inflammatory eye conditions, such as iritis (inflammation of the colored part of your eye (iris)) and cyclitis (a type of uveitis that affects the ciliary body of the eye).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tropicamide
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Eye sensitivity
- Stinging sensation in the eyes
- Increased pressure in the eye (which may cause headache)
- Psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances (especially in children)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any history of liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases (irregular heart rhythm, coronary artery disease), Down syndrome (a genetic disorder), brain damage, and spastic paralysis (spastic paralysis) in children before starting the medicine. Tropicamide may cause blurry vision and make your eyes sensitive in daylight; hence do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better. Always use dark sunglasses when you step outdoors in daylight. After administering eye drops, press gently on the eyelid's inner corner for 3 minutes to prevent the solution from draining into the nose and throat and avoid systemic absorption, especially in children. Avoid the contact of Tropicamide dispensing containers with eyes, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to prevent contamination. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant and a nursing mother.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Tropicamide may interact with respiratory medication (diphenhydramine), drugs treating motion sickness (meclizine), Irritable bowel syndrome medicines (dicyclomine), heart-related drugs (quinidine), Parkinson's disease medication (selegiline), antibiotics (linezolid), dying agents (methylene blue), antidepressants (tranylcypromine, phenelzine), chemotherapy medicines (procarbazine), and other eye medications of acetylcholine, isofluorphate, physostigmine, and pilocarpine.
Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established. However, avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can effectively manage eye infections.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases (irregular heart rhythm, coronary artery disease), Down syndrome (a genetic disorder), brain damage, and spastic paralysis (spastic paralysis) in children before taking Tropicamide.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Tropicamide.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is advised to consult your doctor if you plan to conceive or already pregnant before starting Tropicamide.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Tropicamide affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before taking Tropicamide if you are breastfeeding. Caution is recommended.
Driving
cautionTropicamide may cause side effects like blurry vision, which could affect your ability to drive or operate machines. Some patients may also find it uncomfortable to drive in the bright daylight. Please do not drive or operate machines until you feel better.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Tropicamide.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Tropicamide.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your child’s age and medical condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Use dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from sensitivity to light when you step outdoors.
- Reduce screen time to avoid dryness of eyes and strain.
- Maintain proper lens hygiene, clean the lens weekly with lens solution and replace them monthly when a new bottle of lens solution is opened.
- Do not use expired makeup products around your eyes. Also, don’t share your makeup brushes and products with others.
Special Advise
- Regular check-up of your eyes with an ophthalmologist is recommended.
- It is advised to monitor your blood pressure and blood glucose levels regularly while using Tropicamide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pupil dilation/Mydriasis: Eye care professionals use eye drops to dilate or widen the pupils to properly examine different eye parts like the lens, vitreous humor, and retina. Dilation of the pupil helps in eye operative procedures like cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye) surgery to reduce complications during the operation and for better exposure of the cataract during surgery. Dilation of pupils allows more light than the normal low light conditions to observe the eye's structure.
Uveitis: It is an inflammation of the middle layer of tissue in the eyewall called the uvea. Symptoms include eye redness, pain, and blurred vision.
FAQs
Tropicamide consists of Tropicamide, an anti-muscarinic and mydriatic agent. It relaxes the eye muscles and causes dilation or widening of the pupils that helps the eye care professional properly observe your eye's structure during diagnostic and operative procedures. Tropicamide is an anti-cholinergic agent and is also used to treat the eye's inflammatory conditions like uveitis, cyclitis, and iritis.
It is not advised to use contact lenses while administering Tropicamide into your eyes. Tropicamide may contain preservatives that cause discoloration of the lens. Please wait until your eyes are no longer dilated before putting back your lenses.
Tropicamide should be used with caution and only under doctor’s supervision if you have a personal or family history of liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases (irregular heart rhythm, coronary artery disease), Down syndrome (a genetic disorder), brain damage, and spastic paralysis (spastic paralysis) in children.
Tropicamide causes a stinging sensation in the eyes after administration of drops and can last for a few seconds to minutes. This is a common side effect of Tropicamide, and please do not worry about it. However, if the stinging lasts for a long time, please discontinue using and seek medical advice.
Tropicamide dilates your pupils, and it can make your eyes more sensitive to light. It is advised to protect your eyes from bright light and use dark sunglasses when you step outdoors during daylight.
Avoid contact of the dropper or tip with fingers, eyes, and eyelids when you use eye drops to prevent contamination. Wash your hands before and after the administration of eye drops. Eye drops are meant for topical use only. Do not take Tropicamide through the mouth.
