Medication

Tropicamide

Generic name: tropicamide · Brand names: Tropicamide

Anticholinergic [epc]

Information sourced from FDA Structured Product Labeling, updated April 10, 2026.

What is it used for?

For mydriasis and cycloplegia for diagnostic procedures.

How to take it

For refraction, instill one or two drops of 1% solution in the eye(s), repeated in five minutes. If patient is not seen within 20 to 30 minutes, an additional drop may be instilled to prolong mydriatic effect. Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses.

Mydriasis will reverse spontaneously with time, typically in 4 to 8 hours. However, in some cases, complete recovery may take up to 24 hours.

Warnings

WARNINGS FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY. NOT FOR INJECTION. This preparation may cause CNS disturbances which may be dangerous in pediatric patients. The possibility of psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances due to hypersensitivity to anticholinergic drugs should be considered. Mydriatics may produce a transient elevation of intraocular pressure.

Remove contact lenses before using.

Who should not take it

Contraindicated in persons showing hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with tropicamide. It is also not known whether tropicamide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Tropicamide should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when tropicamide is administered to a nursing woman.

Side effects

Ocular: Transient stinging, blurred vision, photophobia and superficial punctuate keratitis have been reported with the use of tropicamide. Increased intraocular pressure has been reported following the use of mydriatics. Non-Ocular: Dryness of the mouth, tachycardia, headache, allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, pallor, central nervous system disturbances and muscle rigidity have been reported with the use of tropicamide.

Psychotic reactions, behavioral disturbances, and vasomotor or cardiorespiratory collapse in children have been reported with the use of anticholinergic drugs.

All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health. Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling.