What is cyclopentolate hydrochloride ophthalmic solution?
Cyclopentolate hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP comprises the following: Cyclopentolate hydrochloride 0.5, 1%, or 2% 0.01 percent benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. Inactive ingredients: boric acid, disodium edetate, potassium chloride (unless at 2% strength), sodium carbonate and/or hydrochloric acid (to regulate pH), filtered water. The pH value ranges from 3.0 to 5.5.
Established name: Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride
Chemical name: hydrochloride of 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl-1-hydroxy-a-phenylcyclopentaneacetate
Cyclopentolate eye drop uses
Before an eye examination, cyclopentolate ophthalmic is used to induce mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye). Cyclopentolate is a member of a class of drugs known as mydriatics. Cyclopentolate acts by inhibiting specific receptors in the eye to temporarily relax or paralyze the ocular muscles.
Other applications for cyclopentolate include the following:
- Allergic Conditions
- Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Dermatological rheumatic diseases
- Optic Nerve Disorder
Dosage of cyclopentolate HCl
Adults typically receive 1 or 2 drops of solution in each eye as needed. The drops may be repeated every 6-8 hours, depending on the nature of the treatment.
A typical child dose (over three months of age to twelve years) is one drop of Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride 1% w/v in each eye. Children above the age of 12 years should receive the same dose as adults. Children should be watched for 45 minutes following the drops’ delivery.
How should Cyclopentolate hydrochloride eye drops be administered?
• This drug is typically injected into the eye 40 to 50 minutes prior to the surgery or as instructed by your physician. It is possible that the dose will need to be repeated in 5 to 10 minutes. This drug is intended for use exclusively in the eye. Take not by mouth or injection.
• Before applying eye drops, wash your hands. To avoid contamination, avoid touching or allowing the dropper tip to come into contact with your eye or any other surface. Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them prior to utilizing eye drops. Inquire with your physician when you can resume wearing them. If you are currently using another type of eye medicine (drops or ointments), consult your doctor to determine when you should resume use.
• Tilt your head back, gaze upward, and draw your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Directly above your eye, place the dropper and 1 drop into the pouch. For 1 to 2 minutes, gaze downward and softly close your eyes. Apply mild pressure with one finger to the corner of your eye (near the nose) for 2 to 3 minutes. This prevents the drug from flowing away from the eye, hence minimizing unwanted effects. Avoid blinking and rubbing your eyes. Rep these steps if your dose is greater than 1 drop or if instructed to do it for your second eye.
• Avoid rinsing the dropper. After usage, replace cap.
Cyclopentolate eye drops side effects
The following are some of the most common side effects of cyclopentolate:
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Burning sensation in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Distorted eyesight
- Itching of the eyes
- Eye and/or eyelash redness
Serious side effects:
- Allergic reaction symptoms such as rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; chest or throat tightness; difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Diminished vision, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
- Confusion
- Issues with behavior
- Delusions (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Communication difficulties
- Seizures
- Adjustment of the equilibrium
- Restlessness
Cyclopentolate interactions
• Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor in particular if you are taking:
• Other dilating eye drops, such as atropine (Aztreza, isoptoatropine)
• Cocaine (Miostat, Carbastat)
• Phyllanthus niruri (Pilocarpine) (Salagen, Isopto Carpine, Pilocar, Ocusert Pilo)
• This is not an exhaustive list of medication interactions involving cyclopentolates. Consult your physician or pharmacist for additional information.
Precautions with cyclopentolate hydrochloride
Inform your doctor or pharmacist before using cyclopentolate if you are allergic to it; to belladonna alkaloids (such as atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may include inactive chemicals (for example, preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride), which may cause allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your pharmacist for additional information. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have a personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), Down’s syndrome, brain injury or spastic paralysis (in children), or heart problems. Your vision may get temporarily clouded after using this medication. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires clear vision until you are certain you can do so safely. This drug may increase the sensitivity of your eyes to light. In bright light, protect your eyes. When outdoors, wear dark sunglasses.
Caution is suggested while administering this medication to infants or small children, since they may be more susceptible to the drug’s effects, particularly mental/mood disturbances. When administering this drug to an infant, monitor the infant closely for 30 minutes following administration. Caution is suggested when this medication is taken in the elderly, as this population may be more susceptible to side effects, including increased intraocular pressure. This drug should be used during pregnancy only when plainly necessary. Consult your physician about the dangers and advantages. It is unknown if this medication goes into breast milk. Consult your physician prior to breastfeeding.
Cyclopentolate storage
• Keep all medications out of children’s reach and sight.
• Certain kinds of cyclopentolate eye drops should be refrigerated; others should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. Please refer to the label on the preparation you have been prescribed for additional information.
• Eye drops are only good for four weeks after they are opened; discard the bottle after this time, even if there is some solution remaining. Never save opened eye drops for later use. This will aid in the prevention of eye infections.
• Do not store or re-use unsealed units.
Cyclopentolate brand names
Cyclopentolate is marketed under the following brand names:
• Cyclogyl
• Cyclomydril
• Cylate
• Pentolair
