A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Atropine

This form:

Pronounced

"AT-trow-peen, off-THAL-mick"

Common brand names:

Isopto Atropine

Uses

This medication is used before eye examinations (such as refraction) and to treat certain eye conditions (such as uveitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Atropine works by widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. Do not use the solution if it turns brown or cloudy or if it contains particles.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5-10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, you can get the most benefit from it by not missing any doses. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using it for the full time prescribed.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.