Atropine
Introduction To Atropine
Atropine is used to treat myopia and inflammation in the eyes (uveitis or iritis). It is also used for the eye examination and diagnose eye problems like blurred vision or squint in children.
Always wash your hands before using Atropine. Use only the number of drops that your doctor has prescribed. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait for at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. If you are also using another eye medicine, wait for at least 10 minutes before using it. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine for a full guide on how to use the drops and get the most benefit. Do not touch the tip of the dropper or bottle. This may lead to infection. You should use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit and it is best done at the same time each day. If you want to stop using it, consult your doctor first.
The most common side effects are irritation or pain in the eye, watery or dry eyes, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and blood pressure. There are other, less common, side effects affecting other parts of the body, some of which may be serious. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine and consult your doctor if you are bothered by any side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Uses of Atropine
- Treatment of Myopia
- Treatment of Uveitis
Benefits of Atropine
Treatment of Myopia
Myopia or nearsightedness is an eye disorder in which you have difficulty
seeing distant objects but can see objects that are near clearly. Atropine
helps treat myopia by relaxing the muscles which enable the eyes to focus on
distant objects. Use Atropine as prescribed by your doctor.
Treatment of Uveitis
The middle layer in the inner wall of the eye is called the uvea and any
inflammation in this layer is called uveitis. This may cause sudden noticeable
symptoms such as pain, redness, blurred vision, swelling etc. It may even
occur after an eye procedure of surgery such as cataract surgery. Atropine
helps relieve these symptoms and improves eye health. It should be used as
advised by the doctor to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Atropine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Opthopin
- Stinging sensation
- High blood pressure
Severe side effects of Opthopin
- Dryness in mouth
- Difficulty in urination
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dry skin
- Slow heart rate
- Photophobia
- Dilatation of pupil
- Loss of accommodation
- Fever
- Confusion
- Eyelid swelling
- Tachycardia
- Reduced sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Skin flushing
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Eye pain
- Stinging in the eyes
- Superficial keratitis
- Decreased lacrimation
- Papillary conjunctivitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Local reaction
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory depression
- Hallucination
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
- Speech disorder
- Hyperactivity
- Seizure
How to use Atropine
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off the extra liquid.
How Atropine works
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication. It works by making the pupil of your eye larger and relaxes the muscles in your eye, allowing proper examination. It also helps reduce inflammation or swelling in the eye (uveitis or iritis). Using Atropine dilates the pupils and temporarily paralyzes the focusing muscle inside the eye. It also relaxes the eyes' focusing mechanisms. This treats myopia.
Quick tips
- Use it as suggested by the doctor.
- It may cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Generally, it is not advised to wear contact lenses but if you have to wear then wait for 15 minutes to reuse.
- You may be asked for regular eye checkups before and during the treatment.
- Stop using medication or inform your doctor if you notice eye irritation, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and sensitivity to bright light.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atropine if I’m pregnant?
Atropine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Atropine if I’m breastfeeding?
Atropine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Milk secretion may decrease.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Atropine?
Atropine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. In what condition Atropine should not be used?
Atropine should not be used if you have or suspect you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye) since it can increase the pressure in the eye or if you are having any eye infection.
Q. Does Atropine cause blurred vision?
When you instill the eye drops for the first time, it can make your eyes watery and may sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens, it will quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or use tools or machines.
Q. When should I seek a doctor’s advice?
You should contact your doctor immediately if you develop an eye infection, conjunctivitis, or an eyelid reaction. Also, you should inform the doctor if you have an eye injury or eye surgery. Discuss with your doctor if you have to continue using Atropine.
Q. Can I use Atropine if I wear contact lenses?
If you usually wear contact lenses, do not wear them while you're using Atropine. You can re-insert the lens 15 minutes after using Atropine. Contact your doctor if there is any eye irritation that persists.
Q. Can I use any other eye drop along with Atropine?
Always consult your doctor before using any other eye drops along with Atropine. It is advisable to give a gap of atleast 10-15 minutes between the two medications.
Q. What is the usual dose of Atropine?
The usual dose of this medicine is one to two drops daily. Consult your doctor in case of any doubts.
Q. What is the most important thing to keep in mind while using Atropine?
While using this medicine, if you develop any irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tear production or light-sensitivity in the eyes, remember to flush the treated eye(s) with lots of water (room temperature) for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the eye drops and contact your doctor immediately.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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