Homatropine eye drops

About homatropine eye drops

Homatropine eye drops work by making the pupil of the eye bigger and relaxing the muscles in it so that the eye can be examined or tested.

Before using homatropine eye drops

Before using homatropine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• If you wear contact lenses
• If you suffer from glaucoma
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use homatropine eye drops

• If homatropine eye drops are being used to examine or test your eyes, the doctor will put 1 or 2 drops into the eye.
• If you have been given homatropine eye drops to treat an inflamed eye you will be told how often to use them. Use the eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are putting in your own eye drops follow these instructions:-

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the container
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use homatropine in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use homatropine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly for at least one to two hours after administering a dose of homatropine.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
• You should not wear contact lenses while you are using homatropine eye drops.

Can homatropine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Common side effects of homatropine eye drops are shown below:

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

How to store homatropine eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard the eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines