Before using tropicamide eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you use these drops it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops.
• If you normally wear contact lenses.
• If you your eyes are red or inflamed.
• If you have been told you have a higher than normal pressure in your eye, or if you have glaucoma.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How to use tropicamide eye drops

Tropicamide eye drops will generally be administered for you about 15-20 minutes before your eye is examined, but if you are asked to put the drops in yourself, then:

1. First wash your hands.
2. Remove the cap (or the tip of the unit if you are using a single-use unit).
3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
4. Hold the bottle (or single-use unit) upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
5. Gently release one drop into your eye.
6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you use these eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the eye drops and a full list of possible side-effects from using them.
• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This will help to prevent the risk of infection.
• These eye drops cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or use tools or machines.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses until your doctor advises you do so. This is because bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which can affect soft contact lenses. The single-use units do not contain a preservative.

Can tropicamide eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. As the effect of the drops wears off, so will the side-effects, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to these drops, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tropicamide eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not store or re-use opened bottles or single-use units to use at a later time.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Mydriacyl® 0.5%, Alcon Laboratories (UK) Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010.
• British National Formulary; 63rd Edition (Mar 2012) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)