Cyclopentolate - Ophthalmic

Cyclopentolate is used to widen the pupil and relax the muscles of the eyes before an eye examination or surgery.

This medicine is also used to treat a certain type of inflammation in the eye called uveitis.

Instil Cyclopentolate eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Cyclopentolate eye drop solution is available as a single-dose container and multi-dose bottle.

To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
2. Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
3. Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1-2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Cyclopentolate into other parts of the body.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
5. Replace and tighten the cap of the multi-dose bottle immediately after use. If you are using a single-dose container, throw away the container after use.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper or tube of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drops immediately after use. If the eye drops becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.

Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.

Some brands of Cyclopentolate contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.

Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) or are at risk of having glaucoma as Cyclopentolate may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• Down syndrome (genetic disorder associated with physical growth development delays and intellectual disability)
• spastic paralysis (a condition that disrupts muscle movement patterns and causes involuntary muscle contractions)
• dark pigmentation or shade of iris (coloured part of the eye)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Cyclopentolate to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.

Cyclopentolate may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Other side effects include any of the following: dry skin, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, flushing, eye irritation, pain or redness, and burning sensation in the eye.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• confusion, restlessness, disorientation
• fits or seizures
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• trouble speaking

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for glaucoma e.g. carbachol, pilocarpine
• certain medicines to treat depression
• certain medicines for mood disorders
• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine
• medicines for cold or allergy
• amantadine (medicine for Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
• oxybutynin (medicine used for overactive bladder)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cyclopentolate.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Do not freeze. Protect from light.

If you are using the single-dose eye drops, discard immediately after use.

If you are using the multi-dose eye drops, throw away any remaining eye drops 28 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.