Why is this medication prescribed?

Atropine Care 1% (Generic Atropine Ophthalmic) is typically prescribed for the following purposes:

• Dilating the Pupils: Atropine Care 1% is often used to dilate (enlarge) the pupils for eye examinations or procedures.
• Treating Inflammation: It may be prescribed to treat inflammation of the eye (uveitis or iritis) by relaxing the muscles in the eye to reduce pain and discomfort.
• Controlling Myopia Progression: Recently, low-dose atropine drops have been used to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, although this is an off-label use for 1% concentration.

How should this medicine be used?

How Atropine Care 1% Should Be Used:

• Dosage and Administration: Typically, a drop of Atropine Care 1% is placed into the affected eye(s) one or more times a day, as directed by your healthcare provider. For children, the frequency and dosage might differ, especially if used for controlling myopia progression.
• Application Instructions: Wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes without blinking or squeezing your eyelids. Press gently on the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) to prevent the medication from draining out. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each type.
• Precautions: Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including your eyes or hands, to prevent contamination. Do not use the medication if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.

If you have any issues with the drops or experience side effects, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

Other Uses for Atropine Care 1% (Generic Atropine Ophthalmic):

• Treating Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Atropine Care 1% may be used to treat amblyopia by temporarily blurring vision in the stronger eye to encourage use of the weaker eye.
• Pain Relief After Eye Surgery: It may be used to reduce pain and discomfort after certain types of eye surgeries or procedures.
• Managing Ocular Spasms: It can help to relax muscle spasms in the eye that cause discomfort or affect vision.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow When Using Atropine Care 1%:

• Inform Your Doctor: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to atropine or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Provide a complete medical history, especially of conditions like glaucoma, enlarged prostate, heart problems, or intestinal issues.
• Avoid Driving or Operating Machinery: Atropine can cause blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light; avoid activities that require clear vision until you know how the medication affects you.
• Be Cautious with Children: Children are more sensitive to the effects of atropine, especially when applied in large doses. Monitor them closely for side effects such as excessive drowsiness, dry mouth, or irritability.
• Use with Caution if Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as atropine may pose risks to the baby.
• Protect Your Eyes from Light: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light or sunlight, as your eyes will be more sensitive to light after using the drops.
• Monitor for Allergic Reactions: Look for signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
• Avoid Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using the eye drops, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as preservatives in the drops can discolor soft lenses or cause irritation.

If you have any specific concerns or experience unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are usually no specific dietary restrictions when using Atropine Care 1%. However, if you experience any gastrointestinal side effects like dry mouth or constipation, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet might be helpful.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Atropine Care 1% can cause several side effects, some of which may be more common or severe than others. Here are potential side effects to be aware of:

Common Side Effects:

• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurring is a common effect due to pupil dilation.
• Increased Sensitivity to Light: Your eyes may become more sensitive to light (photophobia).
• Eye Irritation: Mild stinging, burning, or redness in the eyes when applying the drops.
• Dry Mouth and Throat: Atropine can reduce saliva production, leading to dryness.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Eye Pain or Severe Redness: If you experience significant pain, redness, or discomfort, seek medical attention.
• Swelling or Itching Around the Eyes: Allergic reactions may cause swelling, itching, or hives around the eyes or eyelids.
• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Serious allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, which requires immediate medical help.
• Rapid Heartbeat: Atropine can sometimes cause an increase in heart rate.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches after using the eye drops.
• Confusion, Hallucinations, or Agitation: Rarely, especially in children or elderly patients, atropine can cause central nervous system effects such as confusion, hallucinations, or agitation.
• Drowsiness, Irritability, or Behavioral Changes: Children are more sensitive to atropine and may experience behavioral changes, drowsiness, or irritability.

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you experience any side effects that concern you or affect your daily activities, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Atropine Care 1%:

• Storage:
  • Store Atropine Care 1% eye drops at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze the medication.
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Do not dispose of the medication in wastewater (e.g., do not pour it down the sink or flush it down the toilet) or household trash.
  • Ask your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about safe disposal methods for expired or unused medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Signs of Overdose: Symptoms may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, fever, dry skin, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, or dilated pupils.
• Immediate Actions: If someone has ingested the eye drops or has severe symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing, unconsciousness), call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.) immediately. For non-urgent cases of overdose, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (in the U.S.) or your local poison control number.

What other information should I know?

• Keep Track of Your Medication: Write down the date when you open a new bottle of eye drops. Do not use the drops beyond the expiration date or longer than the recommended period after opening (usually 28-30 days).
• Do Not Share Medication: Atropine Care 1% should only be used by the person it was prescribed for. Sharing can lead to serious adverse effects, particularly because of its potent action on the eyes and body.
• Regular Check-ups: Attend all scheduled appointments with your eye doctor to monitor the effects of the medication on your eyes.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and effective use of Atropine Care 1%. If you have any specific questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider.