Before eye exams, ophthalmic atropine is used to enlarge (open) the pupil, the dark portion of the eye through which you see. Additionally, it is utilised to treat eye inflammation and swelling-related pain.

Atropine is available as an eye ointment to put on the eyes as well as a solution (liquid) to inject into the eyes. Typically, the drops are administered two to four times per day. Typically, the ointment is administered one to three times per day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the atropine instructions exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• For two to three minutes, place a finger on the tear duct and gently press down.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

To apply the eye ointment, follow these steps:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Apply the cream yourself or have someone else do it.
• Do not touch the tube’s tip to your eye or to anything else. Keep the ointment tidy at all times.
• Lean your head slightly forward.
• Place the tube as close to your eyelid as you can without touching it while holding it between your thumb and index finger.
• Put the hand’s remaining fingers against your cheek or nose.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with the index finger of your other hand.
• In the space created by the lower lid and the eye, dab some ointment. In most cases, a 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment is sufficient unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
• To help the medication be absorbed, gently close your eyes and hold them closed for one to two minutes.
• Immediately replace and tighten the cap.
• With a fresh tissue, remove any extra ointment from your eyes and lashes. Rewash your hands.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details; this drug may also be recommended for other purposes.

Before using atropine eye drops or eye ointment,

• If you have an allergy to atropine, belladonna, or any other medications, tell your doctor right away.
• In particular, mention antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, and vitamins when you tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
• If you have glaucoma, let your physician know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor right away if you find out you’re pregnant while taking atropine.
• You should be aware that using atropine ophthalmic ointment may cause your eyesight to become blurry. Even if your eyesight is blurry, refrain from rubbing your eyes. If you are unable to see well, avoid using machinery or a car.

As soon as you realise you missed a dosage, administer the eye drops or ointment. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Never administer or apply a second dose to make up for one that was missed.

There may be adverse effects from atropine. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Redness and itching of the eyes
• Inflammation of the eyelids
• Intolerance of bright light
• Mouth ache
• Dry or red skin
• Distorted vision

There could be some severe negative effects. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Irritability
• Fast pulse
• Irregular heartbeat
• Mental confusion
• Difficulty urinating

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. To determine how you will react to atropine eye drops or ointment, your doctor will prescribe certain eye exams.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.