What it is used for
- Widening the pupil for eye examinations and measuring glasses in children
- Resting the eye and easing pain in inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
- Treating lazy eye by blurring the stronger eye, as directed by an eye doctor
- Low-strength drops prescribed by an eye specialist to slow worsening short-sightedness in children
- Injection: treating a very slow heartbeat, and uses during anaesthesia
- Injection: treating poisoning with organophosphate insecticides
How it is used
- Eye drops: wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and put in the drop, then press gently on the inner corner of the eye for a short while to reduce absorption into the body
- Use them exactly as your doctor prescribed, do not let the dropper touch the eye, and wash your hands afterwards
- Injections are given only by a doctor or nurse in hospital or emergency care
Possible side effects
- Blurred vision and sensitivity to light, which can last several days after eye drops
- Brief stinging of the eye
- Dry mouth, flushing and a fast heartbeat, especially in children and older people
- Injection: difficulty passing urine or confusion
Who should not use it
- Do not use it if you are allergic to atropine
- Eye drops are not used in narrow-angle glaucoma or if you are at risk of it
Before and while using it
- Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear; sunglasses can help
- Babies and children are more sensitive; get medical help for fever, flushing, a fast heartbeat, agitation or confusion
- Swallowing eye drops is dangerous for children; keep them out of reach
- Tell your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate, difficulty passing urine or heart disease
Medicine interactions
- Other medicines with anticholinergic effects, such as some antihistamines, antidepressants, bladder and Parkinson's medicines, add to the side effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is used in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if your doctor feels it is needed
How to store it
- Store at room temperature out of the sight and reach of children, and throw eye drops away after the time stated in the leaflet once opened
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.