DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Cyclopentolate; Phenylephrine

March 21, 2017

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic drops, solution

What is this medicine?

CYCLOPENTOLATE; PHENYLEPHRINE (sye kloe PEN toe late; fen il EF rin) is used in the eye to dilate your pupils. It is normally used during an eye exam.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • cerebral palsy

  • Down's Syndrome

  • glaucoma

  • head trauma

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • thyroid disease

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclopentolate, phenylephrine, or other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye(s). Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label or of your prescriber. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid down with the index finger to form a pouch. Squeeze a single drop into the pouch and close your eyes. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 2 to 3 minutes. Your doctor may want you to repeat a drop in 5 or 10 minutes. Follow their exact instructions. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface. Do not use it more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medicine may be used in children and infants, special care is needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • atropine

  • carbachol

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • medicine for blood pressure

  • pilocarpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor or health care professional.

Report any serious side effects right away. If your vision is still blurred after a day, or if your eyes become inflamed, painful or have a discharge, see your doctor or health care professional right away.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine.

This medicine will cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until after your eyes are no longer dilated.

This medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light while your eyes are dilated. Sunglasses may be helpful. Avoid bright lights until after your eyes are no longer dilated.

If giving this medicine to a child or infant, wash both your hands and the child's hands after using it. Infant feedings should be held for 4 hours after administration of this medicine. Observe children and infants closely for at least 30 minutes after giving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in mood or behavior

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality (especially in children)

  • inflamed, swollen, painful, or infected eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • blurred vision

  • increased sensitivity to sunlight

  • temporary stinging or itching after application

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 8 and 27 degrees C (46 and 80 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert