What is Isopto Atropine?

Isopto Atropine belongs to a classification of medicines known as anti-muscarinics. Your ophthalmologist may recommend a prescription for Isopto Atropine to treat certain painful eye conditions, such as uveitis and ciliary block glaucoma. Some optometrists may also use Isopto Atropine during an eye exam to dilate the pupil and to temporarily paralyze your eye so you are unable to focus on near or far objects and a more complete exam can be performed. This is helpful for younger patients so the exam can be done quicker and without any angst.

How Isopto Atropine Works

The active ingredient of Isopto Atropine is called Atropine Sulfate. When administered, it is absorbed into your eyes and works to block the muscarinic receptors on ciliary muscles located in the middle layer of your eyes that allows you to focus on close and far away objects by changing the shape of the lens. By blocking the action of the receptors, your eye(s) will be unable to focus as the lens is temporarily paralyzed.

During this time, the action of the circular papillary sphincter muscle is blocked so it cannot contract your pupils (make smaller), allowing the radial papillary dilator muscle to contract, thereby dilating (enlarging) your pupils. This permits ophthalmologists to conduct a more thorough exam and these actions allow for relief from the symptoms of uveitis. You may also be prescribed an ophthalmic corticosteroid to decrease the inflammation in your eye(s).

About Uveitis and its Possible Causes

There are three types of uveitis, with anterior uveitis being the most common. This involves inflammation of your iris (colored part of your eye) and the blood vessels within that leak white blood cells and protein into the anterior chamber (indicating the cavity closer to the front of your eye). The area behind the iris could also become inflamed from anterior uveitis. Certain conditions that may be the cause of anterior uveitis include gout, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, herpes virus infection, and rheumatoid arthritis. Many times there is no definitive cause.

Before Instilling Isopto Atropine

Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements, to help your doctor determine if Isopto Atropine is right for you. Ask if it is safe to instill Isopto Atropine while you are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or when breast feeding.

Precautions to Take When Using Isopto Atropine

Contact lenses must be removed before instilling Isopto Atropine and can be reinserted as directed by your doctor. Be certain your hands are clean and the dropper does not touch your eye to avoid a possible infection when administering any drops. Do not share Isopto Atropine, or any medications, with others. Keep all drugs out of children’s reach. Do not drive or take part in any activity that requires clear vision as your eye will be blurry after using Isopto Atropine. You will most likely require wearing sunglasses when outside during daylight due to pupil dilation.

Possible Side Effects of Isopto Atropine

• Burning/stinging (temporary)
• Impaired vision
• Sensitivity to light

Other Drugs Comparable to Isopto Atropine

• Mydriacyl Eye Drops
• Cyclogyl
• Durezol