Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Description

Generic Name: ATROPINE SULFATE OPHTHALMIC

Pronunciation: (a troe peen)

Trade Name(s): Tropine, Atropair, Atropisol, Atropine, IsoptoAtropne

Why it is prescribed: Atropine sulfate is used before eye examinations to dilate (open) the pupil, the black part of the eye through which you see. It also is used to relieve pain caused by swelling and inflammation of the eye.

When it is to be taken: Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Atropine sulfate comes in eye drops and eye ointment. Your prescription label tells you how many drops or how much ointment to use for each application.
If you are to use the eye drops, follow these instructions:
(1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(2) Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
(3) Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked and that the eye drops are clear.
(4) Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
(5) Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
(6) Lie down or tilt your head back.
(7) Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
(8) Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
(9) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
(10) Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
(11) Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for two to three minutes to keep the medication in the eye.
(12) Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
(13) Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
If you are to use the ointment, follow these instructions: (1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(2) Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
(3) Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else-the ointment must be kept clean.
(4) Lie down or tilt your head back.
(5) Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
(6) Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
(7) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
(8) Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye.
(9) Blink your eye gently.
(10) Replace and tighten the cap right away.
(11) Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Special Instruction:
1. Do not use more of this medication than an instructed.
2. Do not stop using it without consulting your doctor.
3. Keep the tip of the dropper or ointment tube from touching your eye, your hands, or any other sources of contamination.
4. If you forget to take a dose, apply the medication as soon as you remember it and apply any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time the next one is due, apply only the regularly schedule dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Side Effects:
1. If you sensitive to bright light, wear dark glasses and avoid driving car or operating dangerous machinery.
2. Dry mouth, red or dry skin, fever, fast pulse, heart palpitations, mental confusion, difficulty urinating and blurred vision are frequent. The side effect should go away a few days after you stop using this drug. If it does not, contact your doctor.
3. Eye irritation, redness and swelling of the eyelids are harmless.

Other Precautions:
1. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma. Atropine sulfate can affect the way your body responds to other drugs.
2. Before you use it, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications, without consulting your doctor.
3. When your doctor tells you to stop using this medication, through away and unused portion.
4. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat. Do not allow it to freeze.