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Atropine treats corneal ulcers, uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), and other painful conditions associated with the eye. It is also used to dilate the pupil when there is an inflammatory condition or in post-surgery situations. This medication is an anticholinergic agent. Anticholinergic agents act on the parasympathetic nervous system causing the eye muscles to relax. Atropine also paralyzes the sphincter muscle of the iris of the eye, resulting in pupil dilation.
Key Benefits
- Helps control eye pain due to corneal ulcers, injury, or some eye diseases
- Treats certain forms of glaucoma
- Dilates the pupil
- Choose eye drops or ointment
How It Works
Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic is an eye solution used by veterinarians to dilate the pupils, which helps control pain due to various conditions including eye injury, corneal disease, or because of cataract surgery.
Indications
For mydriasis and/or cycloplegia. for cycloplegic refraction, for pupillary dilation desired in inflammatory conditions of the iris and uveal tract.
Description
Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution is used in the eye to dilate the pupil. This effect is used in reducing pain due to a corneal ulcer, an eye injury, corneal disease, uveal disease or after cataract surgery. Atropine ophthalmic medication is also useful in treating glaucoma.
Directions
The successful outcome of your animal's treatment with this medication depends upon your commitment and ability to administer it exactly as the veterinarian has prescribed. Please do not skip doses or stop giving the medication. If you have difficulty giving doses consult your veterinarian or pharmacist who can offer administration techniques or change the dosage form to a type of medication that may be more acceptable to you and your animal. If you miss a dose of this medication you should give it as soon as you remember it, but if it is within a few hours of the regularly scheduled dose, wait and give it at the regular time. Do not double a dose as this can be toxic to your pet. Some other drugs can interact with this medication so tell your veterinarian about any drugs or foods that you currently give your animal. Do not give new foods or medications without first asking your veterinarian. You should always wash your hands after applying this medication to your pet's eyes as it can get into your eyes and cause dilation of the pupil.
Dogs and Cats: Atropine sulfate has a very long duration of action and is usually administered no more than once daily in dogs and cats.
Horses: Horses will usually receive atropine sulfate as an ointment once daily or as a solution administered through an eye catheter (subpalpebral lavage system).
Caution:
Use with caution in animals with with primary glaucoma. Using atropine in the eye more frequently than prescribed can result in serious problems such as colic in horses and a dangerous increase in body temperature in other animals. Atropine toxicity may also cause some changes in heart rate and rhythm and may cause your pet to be unable to urinate. If your animal has any of the above conditions, talk to your veterinarian about the potential risks of using the medication versus the benefits that it might have.
Side Effects:
Because atropine dilates the pupil, animals will be very sensitive to sunlight and should be kept out of bright light while receiving this drug. Most animals will salivate when atropine drops get into their mouth. Too much atropine can result in dry mouth, constipation and vomiting.
Storage:
Atropine sulfate should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container away from all children and other household pets.
Special Precautions:
Do not rinse the tube.
If more than one type of eye medicine is used, wait at least 5 minutes before using the other eye medication.
Do not use if ointment has changed color.