Cyclopentolate eye drops

About cyclopentolate eye drops

Cyclopentolate 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 cyclopentolate eye drops

Before taking cyclopentolate 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 cyclopentolate eye drops

• If cyclopentolate 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 cyclopentolate eye drops to treat an inflamed eye you will usually be asked to use 1 or 2 drops into your eye every 6 - 8 hours. This may vary. 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 vial (if using unit dose vials)
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down 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
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use cyclopentolate in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or fingers.
9. If you are using the single dose eye drops, dispose of each container safely straight away after use
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• 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 using a dose of cyclopentolate.
• Try to use these eye drops at regular intervals as told by your doctor. Try not to miss any doses
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between each one.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• You should not wear contact lenses while you are being treated with this preparation.

Can cyclopentolate 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 cyclopentolate eye drops are shown below:

Other side-effects that are occasionally caused by cyclopentolate eye drops are increased pressure in the eye, allergic reactions, affected balance and altered sense of touch.
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to cyclopentolate eye drops, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store cyclopentolate 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.
• Discard single dose eye drop containers straight away after use.
• 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