Atropine drops are used for widening (dilating) the pupils for an eye exam or to treat certain inflammatory conditions of the eye. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Atropine works by blocking the chemical acetylcholine, which relaxes the ciliary muscle of the eye and causes the pupil to dilate.
Do NOT use atropine drops if you are allergic to any ingredient in atropine drops, you have glaucoma or are at risk for glaucoma.
Some medical conditions may interact with atropine drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have numbness due to nerve damage, a blockage of the bladder, prostate problems, or difficulty urinating; if you have cornea problems or Down syndrome.
Some medicine may interact with atropine drops. Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), medicine for Parkinson disease (eg, benztropine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of atropine drops side effects
How to Use Eye Drops: Wash your hands. Take off the top of the bottle. Gently pull the lower eyelid down. Hold the dropper above one eye and squeeze one drop inside the lower eyelid. Try not to touch your eye, eyelashes, or anything else with the dropper tip. Let go of the eyelid and blink a few times. This helps to spread the drop over the whole eye surface. Wipe away any liquid that falls with a tissue. Repeat in the other eye if the drop is prescribed for both eyes. If you are prescribed more than one drop or need to put in another type of drop, wait for 10 -15 minutes before putting a second drop into an eye. This allows the first drop to ‘settle in’ and not be washed out by a second drop if it is put in too quickly.
Eye-drops are sterile (free from bacteria) before the bottle top is opened. Once it is opened: Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dark place (unless otherwise advised). Do not let the dropper or dropper nozzle touch the eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to keep it free from bacteria (bugs). Do not let anyone else use your drops, and do not use anyone else’s drops yourself. Throw out the bottle (and get a new one if required) after the recommended time. This is usually 2-4 weeks after first opening the bottle. There is a risk that the drops may become infected if they are kept and used for longer than advised. (One tip is to write the date that you opened the bottle on the label so you will know when it is time to throw it out.) .You may get a taste of eye drops in your mouth, or a feeling that the drops are running down your throat. This is normal as the tear duct which drains tears to your nose will also drain some of the eye drops. Some eye drops sting for a short while. Rarely, some people are allergic to some eye drops. Tell your doctor if eye symptoms become worse after using eye drops. Do not wear contact lenses while using eye drops unless otherwise advised. (Some drugs and preservatives in eye drops can accumulate in soft contact lenses and may cause harm.). Keep the drops out of children’s reach
To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Replace the cap immediately after using it. Do not allow other people to use your eye drops. Once opened, discard any remaining contents after 30 days. If the eye tissue becomes inflamed, red, irritated, or uncomfortable, discontinue use and consult a physician.