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Atropin-Care

Generic name: atropine ophthalmic

What is Atropin-Care used for?

  • Atropin-Care is used to widen the pupil before an eye exam or eye surgery.
  • It is used to treat eye swelling.
  • Atropin-Care is also used to treat lazy eye (amblyopia).

Before taking Atropin-Care, tell your doctor:

For all patients taking Atropin-Care:

  • If you are allergic to Atropin-Care; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have glaucoma.

Children:

  • If your child has had a bad reaction to Atropin-Care in the past.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Atropin-Care with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Atropin-Care?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take Atropin-Care. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for clear eyesight while your pupils are dilated.
  • Bright lights may bother you for some time after using Atropin-Care. Wear sunglasses for as long as you were told by your doctor.
  • This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Atropin-Care is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
  • If you are 65 or older, use Atropin-Care with care. You could have more side effects.
  • Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Atropin-Care while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
  • Do not give Atropin-Care to a child younger than 3 months of age.

How is Atropin-Care best taken?

Use Atropin-Care as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • For the eye only.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
  • After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
  • Take out contact lenses before using Atropin-Care. Talk with your doctor to see when lenses may be put back in after Atropin-Care is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Atropin-Care that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
  • Flushing.
  • Restlessness.
  • Feeling irritable.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Dry skin.
  • Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

What are some other side effects of Atropin-Care?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Blurred eyesight.
  • Stinging.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Feeling sleepy.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Atropin-Care?

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Atropin-Care, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Atropin-Care or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Atropin-Care. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health. Last updated April 5, 2023.