Uses of Cyclopentolate

Cyclopentolate is used to dilate the pupil of the eye and to paralyse the lens temporarily for performing an eye examination or for preparing the eye for an operation. It is also used to treat uveitis (inflammation of middle layer of the eye tissues) and iritis (inflammation of coloured ring around the pupil of the eye). 

Therapeutic Category

Cyclopentolate: Anti-muscarinic (Mydriatic agents)

How Cyclopentolate works

Cyclopentolate works by blocking the action of acetylcholine to produce relaxation of the sphincter muscle of the iris resulting in dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) and prevents the eye from accommodating for near vision (cycloplegia). Therefore, helpful in performing eye examination or eye operation.  

Common side effects of Cyclopentolate

• eye irritation, stinging sensation
• fever
• confusion, hallucinations
• facial flushing
• decreased movement of the gastrointestinal tract or slower transit of food
• constipation

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience abnormal heart rate
• if you have trouble in passing urine (urinary retention)
• if you experience hallucinations, mental disturbances
• if you experience symptoms of severe allergic reaction/anaphylactic shock (such as severe skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue causing difficulty breathing or swallowing)
• if your infant or children experience fits, difficult speaking or speaking in a nonsensible way
• if your infant or children experience loss of consciousness affecting breathing, heart rate and blood pressure

Health Tips for Cyclopentolate

• Do not wear contact lenses while using Cyclopentolate unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Contact lens can trap the medication and reduce its effectiveness