What is this medicine?
CYCLOPENTOLATE (sye kloe PEN toe late) is used in the eye to widen your pupils, so they won't respond to light. It is normally used for diagnostic procedures.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- hallucination, loss of contact with reality (especially in children)
- inflamed, swollen, painful, or infected eyes or eyelids
- swollen or bloated stomach (in infants)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- blurred vision
- burning, stinging, itching, or minor discomfort of the eyes or eyelids
- increased sensitivity to sunlight
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the eye(s). Do not take by mouth. If used for something other than diagnostic procedures, follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid down with the index finger to form a pouch. Squeeze a single drop into the pouch and close your eyes. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 to 3 minutes. If you are using more than one drop, repeat this process with 5 minutes between the drops. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination. If more than one eye product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care is needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- carbachol
- medicines for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
- pilocarpine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Untreated angle-closure (narrow-angle) glaucoma or untreated anatomically narrow angles.
- Known hypersensitivity to cyclopentolate or any component of the preparation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medicine if your eyes become inflamed, painful or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional right away.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. Contact lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after using this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solution.
If this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light, wear dark glasses
In infants feeding intolerance may occur. Infant feedings should be held for 4 hours following administration. Observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes following the use of this medicine.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Down's Syndrome
- glaucoma
- wear contact lenses
- an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclopentolate or other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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