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Tropicamide - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Tropicamide: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Tropicamide?

Tropicamide is an anticholinergic drug belonging to alkaloids and is derived from atropine. It is widely used to dilate the pupil of the eye for ocular examination and various ocular procedures. Tropicamide acts by relaxation of the eye muscles by acting as a muscarinic receptor antagonist, leading to dilation of the pupil. The most common formulations of Tropicamide are eye drops, available in strengths of 0.5% and 1% solutions. Eye drops are indicated for external use only.

What are the uses of Tropicamide?

  • Tropicamide is an anticholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist that is used to cause cycloplegia and mydriasis. It is usually given before eye examinations to dilate the pupil of the eye for better examination.
  • Tropicamide is also used in various ocular producers to dilate the pupil for ease of the procedure.
  • It is also indicated post-cataract surgery to reduce swelling and redness of the eyes.
  • Indicated in the treatment of uveitis to reduce the inflammation
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What are the side effects of Tropicamide?

Common side effects

  • Stinging pain in the eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Eye sensitivity

Serious side effects

  • Mood change
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
  • Dizziness
  • Vision changes
  • Confusion
  • Trouble in breathing

Most of the side effects related to the administration of Tropicamide resolve on their own without any need for medical care. However, if the adverse effects persist or start to bother you, inform your doctor immediately.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Tropicamide

1. How to reverse the tropicamide effect?

Tropicamide effects such as mydriasis and cycloplegia can be reversed by using drugs that cause pupil constriction. Pilocarpine 2% eye drop can be used to reverse the effect caused by tropicamide even with a single installation. Consult our team of medical experts for the best advice on the use of tropicamide, the need for reversal, and the use of pilocarpine.

2. Is tropicamide a cycloplegic?

Yes, tropicamide is a cycloplegic drug that causes the paralysis of the ciliary muscles in the eyes. This leads to pupil dilation and paralysis of the eye accommodation. The cycloplegic effect of tropicamide has enabled its use in various eye examinations and ocular procedures to achieve required dilation.

3. Is tropicamide a vasodilator?

Tropicamide is a parasympatholytic anticholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist that can cause vasodilatation and increase the blood supply to the muscles. This further leads to reduced blood pressure and relief from hypertension and increased intraocular pressure. Consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of tropicamide.

4. Is tropicamide the same as atropine?

Tropicamide and atropine both are parasympatholytic drugs that are chemically related and act on similar receptors to cause pupil dilation. Tropicamide is used more frequently in eye examinations due to quick onset while atropine is more frequently used in uveitis. Consult our medical experts for the best treatment for ocular disorders.

5. What type of drug is tropicamide?

Tropicamide is an anticholinergic drug derived from alkaloid atropine. It is a muscarinic receptor antagonist that causes dilation of the pupil in the eye. It is used before various eye examinations and ocular procedures to widen the pupil and aid in better examination. Consult our doctors for more advice on the use of tropicamide.

6. Is tropicamide safe?

Tropicamide is safe at the dose and frequency prescribed by your doctor. However, there could be mild side effects associated with tropicamide that resolve in a few days. If you experience any serious side effects, inform your doctor. Consult our doctors for the use of tropicamide and the management of side effects.

7. What is the difference between tropicamide and Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic drug that causes vasoconstriction and dilation of the pupil for eye examinations. Tropicamide on the other hand is an anticholinergic drug derived from atropine. Both the drugs differ in their mechanism of action. Studies have shown that tropicamide is more effective in dilating the pupil than phenylephrine.

8. How long does tropicamide eye drop last?

Usually, the effect of tropicamide eye drops can last up to 4-6 hours and in a few cases, it can go up to 8-10 hours. The light can get into the bright areas leading to glare and blurring of vision. Consult our expert doctors for the best advice on the use of tropicamide.

9. Can a pregnant woman take Tropicamide?

Tropicamide might be unsafe for pregnant women. Although there is very limited data to support the use of tropicamide in pregnancy, your baby might be at risk to develop side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant while on tropicamide therapy.

10. Can I take Tropicamide while breastfeeding?

Tropicamide is usually safe to be used during breastfeeding as there is no data to support any negative impacts on the breastfeeding baby. Your doctor must assess the benefit-risk profile before prescribing the drug. Further, consult our team of medical experts for safe use of tropicamide while breastfeeding.

11. Can I consume alcohol with Tropicamide?

There are no reported interactions of tropicamide use and alcohol consumption, so there should not be any contraindication with their simultaneous use. However, you should inform your doctor if you consume alcohol before prescribing tropicamide. Consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of tropicamide.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.