Atropine eye drops: how to take it safely
Isopto Atropine
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Widens the pupil and relaxes the eye for eye tests and treatment of eye inflammation. It is also used to treat lazy eye.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop in the pocket it makes.
- Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes and press the inner corner of the eye. This keeps the drop in the eye.
- Do not let the tip touch your eye or fingers.
- If you use more than one eye drop, wait 5 minutes between them.
- Press the corner of the eye for 2 minutes, especially in children.
When to take it
Use as your eye doctor directs, often once a day.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Wearing soft contact lenses unless the label says it is safe. Take lenses out first and wait 15 minutes.
- Touching the dropper tip to anything.
- Using the bottle for more than 4 weeks after opening.
- Sharing the bottle.
- Driving or using machines until your vision clears. Blurred vision and light sensitivity can last up to 2 weeks.
- Giving it to babies without a doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.
Possible side effects
Blurred vision, light sensitivity, dry mouth, flushing, a fast heartbeat.
Get help if
High fever, flushed dry skin, a very fast heartbeat, confusion, or severe eye pain: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.