CYCLOPENTOLATE

Mydriatic and cycloplegic drug. Dilates the pupil and paralyses the ciliary muscle. Duration of action is 24 hours

Dosage Forms

Eye drops

1%

Uses

  • Inflammatory conditions of iris and uveal tract (anterior uveitis)
  • Typhoid fever
  • Diagnostic fundoscopy (specialist use only)

Dose and Duration

Diagnostic fundoscopy (specialist use only)
Adult:1 drop of 0.5% solution (1% in deeply pigmented eyes) repeated after 15 minutes if necessary about 40 minutes before examination
Child 6–16 years:1 drop of 1% solution into the eye, repeated after 15 minutes if necessary about 40 minutes before examination
Child under 6 years:1–2 drops of 1% solution into the eye, repeated after 15 minutes if required about 40 minutes before examination
Uveitis and iritis
Adult and child over 16 years:1‒2 drops into the eye every 6 hours as needed
Child 3 months–16 years (specialist use):1 drop every 6–12 hours in deeply pigmented eyes

Contraindications

  • Glaucoma
  • Infants less than 3 months
  • Paralytic ileus
  • Children with congenital brain disease e.g. epilepsy

Side Effects

  • Stinging
  • Mild irritation
  • Raised intraocular pressure, acute angle glaucoma especially in elderly
  • Hyperkalaemia
  • Headache
  • Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset

Patient Instructions

  • Do not drive or operate machinery until vision clears
  • Wash hands after use as medicine can be toxic if taken orally

Pregnancy

  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Use with caution in young children and elderly as systematic side effects can easily occur