Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 15ml

Atropine is an anticholinergic agent that blocks the responses of the sphincter muscle of the iris and the ciliary muscle to cholinergic stimulation, thereby producing mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia (paralysis of accommodation). It acts by competitively blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Restlessness
Irritability

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice:

Blurred vision
Eye pain
Stinging
Eye irritation
Dry mouth, skin, or eyes
Drowsiness

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
If you have experienced a severe reaction to this medication in the past.
If you are currently taking certain medications for depression, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, or medications for Parkinson's disease, such as selegiline or rasagiline.
* If you are taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications may interact with this drug.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to ensure it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

While using this drug, avoid operating a vehicle or performing any activities that require clear vision until your pupils return to normal, as your eyesight may be affected. Additionally, you may experience sensitivity to bright lights for a period after administration; wear sunglasses as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort.

In case of accidental ingestion, this medication can be harmful. If swallowed, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.

When administering this drug to children, exercise caution, as they may be at a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to both you and your baby.

This medication is not recommended for children under 3 months of age; do not administer it to infants in this age group.

• Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, antihistamines, quinidine, disopyramide): May potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects if significant systemic absorption occurs.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): May potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects.

• Blurred vision (prolonged)
• Photophobia
• Dry mouth
• Flushing of skin
• Fever
• Tachycardia
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Confusion or disorientation (especially in children and elderly)
• Hallucinations (rare, especially in children)

Use with caution during pregnancy. Atropine is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Use with caution during breastfeeding. Atropine is excreted in breast milk. While systemic absorption from ophthalmic drops is generally low, infants are more susceptible to anticholinergic effects. Monitor the infant for signs of anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, irritability). Consider using the lowest effective dose and applying nasolacrimal occlusion to minimize systemic absorption.

Children, especially infants and young children, are more susceptible to the systemic toxic effects of atropine due to higher systemic absorption and increased sensitivity. Use the lowest effective concentration and dose. Apply nasolacrimal occlusion (pressing on the tear duct) for several minutes after instillation to minimize systemic absorption. Monitor closely for signs of systemic toxicity (e.g., flushing, fever, tachycardia, CNS effects).

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the systemic anticholinergic effects of atropine, including confusion, hallucinations, and increased intraocular pressure. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects. Consider lower concentrations or less frequent dosing if appropriate.

• Atropine ophthalmic solution has a very long duration of action (up to 2 weeks), which can significantly impair vision for an extended period. Patients should be fully informed of this.
• Always apply nasolacrimal occlusion (gentle pressure on the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes) after instilling drops, especially in children, to minimize systemic absorption and potential side effects.
• Atropine is a potent cycloplegic and mydriatic. It is often used for cycloplegic refraction in children to accurately measure refractive error by paralyzing accommodation.
• Contraindicated in patients with narrow anterior chamber angles or angle-closure glaucoma due to the risk of precipitating an acute attack.
• Patients should be advised to wear sunglasses outdoors due to prolonged photophobia.

• Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl): Shorter duration of action (24-48 hours), commonly used for routine cycloplegic refraction.
• Tropicamide (Mydriacyl): Shortest duration of action (4-6 hours), primarily for mydriasis for fundus examination.
• Homatropine: Intermediate duration of action (1-3 days), used for cycloplegia and uveitis.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to help healthcare professionals provide the best possible care.