Cyclopentolate

Cyclopentolate hydrochloride is used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia.

• Adults: Instill one or two drops of 0.5%, 1% or 2% solution in the eye which may be repeated in five to ten minutes if necessary
• Complete recovery usually occurs in 24 hours
• Complete recovery from mydriasis in some individuals may require several days
• Children: Instill one or two drops of 0.5%, 1% or 2% solution in the eye which may be repeated five to ten minutes later by a second application of 0.5% or 1% solution if necessary
• Small
• Infants: A single instillation of one drop of 0.5% in the eye
• To minimize absorption, apply pressure over the nasolacrimal sac for two to three minutes
• Observe infant closely for at least 30 minutes following instillation
• Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strengths

• Use of cyclopentolate has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances
• In pediatric patients
• Increased susceptibility to cyclopentolate has been reported in infants, young children, and in children with spastic paralysis or brain damage
• These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place, and failure to recognize people
• Feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm
• Infants may follow ophthalmic use of this product. …

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

• Do not touch dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution
• A transient burning sensation may occur upon instillation
• Patients should be advised not to drive or engage in other hazardous activities while pupils are dilated
• Patients may experience sensitivity to light and should protect eyes in bright illumination during dilation
• Parents should be warned not to get this preparation in their child's mouth and to wash their own hands and the child's hands following administration
• Feeding intolerance may follow ophthalmic use of this product in infants
• It is recommended that feeding be withheld for 4 hours after examination

Should not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to any component of this preparation.

Cyclopentolate may interfere with the ocular anti-hypertensive action of carbachol, pilocarpine, or ophthalmic cholinesterase inhibitors.

FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY . NOT FOR INJECTION. This preparation may cause Central Nervous System (CNS) disturbances. This is especially true in younger age groups, but may occur at any age, especially with the stronger solutions. Infants are especially prone to CNS and cardiopulmonary side effects from cyclopentolate. To minimize absorption, use only 1 drop of 0.5% CYCLOGYL solution per eye, followed by pressure applied over the nasolacrimal sac for two to three minutes. Observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes following instillation. Mydriatics may produce a transient elevation of intraocular pressure. …

Ocular: Increased intraocular pressure, burning, photophobia, blurred vision, irritation, hyperemia, conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, synechiae have been reported. Non-ocular: Use of cyclopentolate has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances, usually in children, especially with 2% concentration. These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place, and failure to recognize people. This drug produces reactions similar to those of other anticholinergic drugs, but the central nervous system manifestations as noted above are more common. …

Pregnancy: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with cyclopentolate. It is also not known whether cyclopentolate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Cyclopentolate should be administered to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Excessive dosage may produce behavioral disturbances, tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, hypertension, elevated intraocular pressure, vasodilation, urinary retention, diminished gastrointestinal motility and decreased secretion in salivary and sweat glands, pharynx, bronchi and nasal passages. Patients exhibiting signs of overdosage should receive supportive care and monitoring.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.