Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Atropine Care
- Isopto Atropine
- Ocu-Tropine
In Canada
- Atropine
- Atropine-Ak
- Atropine Eye Ointment
- Atropine Ointment
- Atropisol
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
- Ointment
Therapeutic Class: Mydriatic-Cycloplegic
Pharmacologic Class: Atropine
Uses for atropine sulfate
Atropine sulfate eye drops is used to dilate the pupil before eye exams. It is also used to treat an eye condition called amblyopia (lazy eyes) and other eye conditions (eg, cycloplegia). Atropine sulfate works by blocking the chemical acetylcholine, which relaxes the ciliary muscle of the eye and causes the pupil to dilate.
Atropine sulfate is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using atropine sulfate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For atropine sulfate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to atropine sulfate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Use of atropine sulfate eye drops in children younger than 3 months old is not recommended.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atropine sulfate eye drops in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases,...
