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Tropicamide eye drops


  • Tropicamide eye drops can cause blurred vision which may last for several hours
  • Do not drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear

About tropicamide eye drops

Type of medicine Mydriatic and cycloplegic
Used for To help a doctor or eye specialist test or examine the eye
Also called Mydriacyl, Minims Tropicamide
Available as Eye drops, single use eye drops

Tropicamide 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 tropicamide eye drops

Before using tropicamide 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 any inflammation (redness) in your eye
  • 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 tropicamide eye drops

  1. Tropicamide will generally be administered in a hospital or clinic

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Use tropicamide eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • 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 tropicamide eye drops.
  • If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
  • Tropicamide eye drops are for you. Never give them 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 tropicamide eye drops.

Can tropicamide 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 tropicamide eye drops are shown below:

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Stinging in the eye This should soon disappear as your eyes get used to the drops. If discomfort in the eye continues speak with your doctor
Blurred vision This may last several hours after applying the eye drops. Do not drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear. If blurred vision continues speak with your doctor
Sensitivity to light Wearing dark glasses should help. If sensitivity to light continues for more than a few hours speak with your doctor
Dry mouth Artificial saliva pastilles and sprays can help. These are available from your pharmacist. If dry mouth continues speak with your doctor

Other side effects that are occasionally caused by tropicamide eye drops are dry skin, flushing, changes in heart rate, difficulty passing water, constipation, vomiting, giddiness, staggering, rash (in children), changes in behaviour (in children) and enlarged or abnormal abdomen (in infants).
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to tropicamide eye drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tropicamide 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after using any medicine.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much or swallowed any of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3658		 DocRef:
dils3401		 Last Updated:
25 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
24 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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