Description

Cyclopentolate may affect the action of concomitantly administered drugs such as: antihistamines, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, procainamide, disopyramide, propranolol, quinidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Anticholinergic agents, such as cyclopentolate, antagonize miosis and ciliary body contraction induced by cholinesterase inhibitors and cholinergic agonists.

Blinding acute angle-closure glaucoma and raised intraocular pressure may occur during cyclopentolate therapy. The mydriasis may be reduced by the intraocular application of pilocarpine, physostigmine or isoflurophate. Transient burning sensation of the eye is more likely with the 0.5% solution. Systemic effects, resulting from excessive absorption from mucosal surfaces or from ingestion of the drug, may include xerostomia, flushing, tachycardia and urinary retention. More severe systemic effects are tachypnea, scarlatiniform rash, delirium, psychosis, fever, stupor, coma, respiratory failure and death.

Cyclopentolate may cause increased intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma may be induced by cyclopentolate in patients with higher susceptibility to increased intraocular pressure including the elderly and individuals with shallow anterior chambers. Cyclopentolate may cause an increase in intraocular pressure which if sustained, can potentially lead to irreversible loss of vision. The drug should be discontinued and the physician consulted immediately if eye pain, blurring of vision, rapid pulse or dizziness occurs. Patients may require the use of dark glasses following the application of cyclopentolate, due to photophobia associated with mydriasis. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if blurred vision and photophobia continue for more than 48 hours after discontinuing cyclopentolate. Systemic absorption of topical cyclopentolate from the nasal mucosal surfaces may result in systemic adverse effects. This is particularly the case in children, who are most susceptible to the drug's adverse effects. If signs of systemic toxicity appear, such as dry mouth, tachycardia or dizziness, the dosage schedule should be reduced or the drug discontinued.

Anticholinergics

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.