Atropine Sulf 1% Oph Soln 5ml

Atropine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. In the eye, it blocks the action of acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors of the ciliary body and iris sphincter muscle. This blockade leads to paralysis of accommodation (cycloplegia) and dilation of the pupil (mydriasis). It also reduces ocular pain and prevents synechia formation in inflammatory conditions.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

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
+ Fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Restlessness
Irritability

Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While 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 do not go away, contact your doctor:

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, be cautious when performing tasks that require clear vision, such as driving, as your pupils may be dilated. Additionally, you may experience sensitivity to bright lights for a period after administration; to minimize discomfort, wear sunglasses as directed by your doctor.

In the event that this medication is ingested, it can cause harm. 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 for 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): Theoretical potentiation of anticholinergic effects.

• Blurred vision (expected effect)
• Photophobia (expected effect)
• Ocular irritation or redness
• Systemic anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, dry skin, flushing, fever, rapid pulse, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, ataxia (especially in children).

Atropine is Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is generally low, but caution is advised.

Atropine is excreted in breast milk. While systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is minimal, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for signs of anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, irritability). The risk to the infant is generally considered low with ophthalmic use.

Infants and young children are highly susceptible to the systemic toxic effects of atropine due to higher systemic absorption and increased sensitivity. Use the lowest effective concentration (e.g., 0.5%) and dose. Apply nasolacrimal occlusion (pressure on the inner corner of the eye) for 1-2 minutes after instillation to minimize systemic absorption. Monitor closely for signs of systemic toxicity (fever, flushing, tachycardia, CNS effects).

Geriatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic anticholinergic effects (e.g., confusion, urinary retention, constipation) if significant systemic absorption occurs. Use with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or narrow-angle glaucoma. Monitor intraocular pressure.

• Atropine ophthalmic has a very long duration of action (up to 2 weeks for cycloplegia/mydriasis), which can be inconvenient for patients.
• It is the most potent cycloplegic agent and is often used for cycloplegic refraction in children or for therapeutic purposes in uveitis/amblyopia.
• Always warn patients about prolonged blurred vision and photophobia.
• Systemic toxicity, though rare with ophthalmic use, is a significant concern, especially in infants and young children. Educate parents on signs of toxicity.
• Nasolacrimal occlusion is crucial, especially in pediatric patients, to reduce systemic absorption.

• Other cycloplegics/mydriatics: Cyclopentolate (shorter duration, less potent cycloplegia), Tropicamide (shortest duration, primarily mydriatic), Homatropine (intermediate duration).
• For amblyopia: Patching therapy.

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. 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 detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.