Health Library

Cyclopentolate (Into the eye)

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride (sye-kloe-PEN-toe-late hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Used to dilate your eyes before an eye exam.

Brand Name(s):

Cyclogyl

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Use this medicine as directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Your eyes should be dilated within 30 to 60 minutes after you use the medicine.
• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cyclopentolate works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any medicine for glaucoma or other eye problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have digestion problems, heart disease, nerve or muscle problems, or trouble urinating. If this medicine is being given to a child, tell the doctor if the child has Down syndrome, brain damage, or spastic paralysis.
• This medicine will make your vision blurry. Your vision should be normal within 6 to 24 hours, but you may have trouble focusing for a few days. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.
• This medicine will make your eyes sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses when you go outside.
• It is best to not feed a baby for 4 hours after the baby receives this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dizziness, trouble walking, unsteadiness
• Eye burning or watering that does not go away
• Eye redness, pain, itching, or swelling
• Fast heartbeat
• Unusual behavior, confusion, nervousness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Mild burning feeling in your eyes right after you use the drops
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024