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Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic

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Why is this medication prescribed?

Before an eye exam, cyclopentolate ophthalmic is used to induce mydriasis (dilated pupils) and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye). The drug clopentolate belongs to the mydriatic drug class. When used to temporarily relax or paralyse the eye muscles, cyclopentolate acts by inhibiting certain receptors located in the eye.

How should this medicine be used?

To inject into the eye, cyclopentolate is available as a solution (liquid). Prior to an eye exam, your healthcare professional will inject the solution into the patient’s eye(s).

After injection, cyclopentolate ophthalmic may take up to 30 minutes to start acting fully. Effects typically last up to 24 hours, but for some people, they can continue longer than that. Increased cyclopentolate doses may be necessary for people with dark eye colours.

If cyclopentolate is administered to a child, keep an eye on them for at least 30 minutes following the dose. For four hours following cyclopentolate instillation, infants shouldn’t be fed.

Only use of cyclopentolate ophthalmic is for the eyes (s). Avoid ingesting the cyclopentolate solution.

Avoid letting the bottle’s tip come in contact with your face, fingers, eyes, or any other surface. Bacteria might enter the eye drops if the tip does come into contact with another surface.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

  • Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
  • 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 gazing up so that the drop(s) fall into the lower eyelid’s pocket.
  • Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
  • Tip your head downward and close one eye while pretending to be looking at the ground.
  • For two to three minutes, place a finger on the tear duct and gently press down.
  • If the same eye needs a second dose, wait at least five to ten minutes before administering the subsequent drop(s), then repeat steps one through eight.
  • Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap.
  • After administering medication, wash your hands and, if required, the hands of your kid to remove any medication.

Other uses for this medicine

Uveitis is occasionally treated with cyclopentolate ophthalmic (swelling and inflammation of the eye). Discuss the dangers of using this drug for your illness with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you think this drug may be recommended for other conditions.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using ophthalmic cyclopentolate,

  • If you have narrow angle glaucoma, let your doctor know (a serious eye condition that may cause loss of vision). Most likely, your doctor will advise against using cyclopentolate.
  • Inform your physician if you have Down syndrome (an hereditary disorder that causes a variety of physical and developmental issues) or if you have ever experienced angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure which may lead to a loss of vision).
  • If you have narrow angle glaucoma, let your doctor know (a serious eye condition that may cause loss of vision). Most likely, your doctor will advise against using cyclopentolate.
  • Inform your physician if you have Down syndrome (an hereditary disorder that causes a variety of physical and developmental issues) or if you have ever experienced angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure which may lead to a loss of vision).
  • Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking cyclopentolate.
  • You should be aware that cyclopentolate therapy may cause blurry vision. If you are unable to see well, avoid using machinery or a car.
  • Make a plan to limit your time spent in the sun and to use eye protection (e.g., use sunglasses). Your eyes may become sun-sensitive if you take cyclopentolate.
  • It’s important to be aware that ophthalmic cyclopentolate contains benzalkonium chloride, which soft contact lenses can absorb. Remove your contact lenses before administering ophthalmic cyclopentolate if you wear them.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose and have concerns, call your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cyclopentolate could have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

  • Pain, burning, or stinging in the eyes
  • Redness or itching of the eyes

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

  • Redness, edoema, or other pink eye signs
  • Difficulty coordinating (usually in children)
  • Muddled speech (usually in children)
  • Unrest  (usually in children)
  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations (typically in children)
  • Hyperactivity and other behavioural modifications (usually in children)
  • Seizures (usually in children)
  • Mental disarray (usually in children)
  • Not being able to identify persons (usually in children)
  • Rash
  • Abdominal bloating (when used in infants)
  • Fever
  • Having trouble urinating
  • Reduced perspiration
  • Mouth ache

Ophthalmic cyclopentolate may also have other adverse effects. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

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).

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

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

In case of emergency/overdose

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

  • Quick heartbeat
  • Behavioural problems
  • Trouble urinating
  • Fever
  • Reduced perspiration
  • Consciousness is lost

What other information should I know?

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

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.

Brand names

  • Akpentolate®
  • Cyclogyl®
  • Pentolair®
  • Cyclomydril® (as a combination product containing Cyclopentolate, Phenylephrine)
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