Atropine Eye Drops are used to treat inflammation in the eye (uveitis or iritis) and before certain eye examinations . This medicine is also used to diagnose eye problems such as blurred vision (refraction) in children below 6 years and children with cross-eyes or squint (convergent strabismus).
How does atropine increase intraocular pressure?
One of the potential complications is an atropine-induced increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Atropine, a muscarinic antagonist that can paralyze the ciliary muscle, can possibly increase resistance through the trabecular meshwork and impede aqueous humor flow into the canal of Schlemm.
Why atropine is used in glaucoma?
Atropine causes the muscles in your eye to become relaxed . This widens (dilates) your pupil so that it will not respond to light. Atropine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to dilate your pupils when you have an inflammatory condition or in postsurgery situations in which this effect may be helpful.
Does atropine lower eye pressure?
Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter were measured prior to and during a 2-day period of treatment with 1% atropine sulfate. No significant changes in intraocular pressure occurred as a result of the treatment with atropine. Pupil diameter increased significantly after atropine was applied.
What is the purpose of atropine?
Ophthalmic atropine is used before eye examinations to dilate (open) the pupil , the black part of the eye through which you see. It is also used to relieve pain caused by swelling and inflammation of the eye.
Why is atropine not used for glaucoma?
One of the controversial side effects of atropine is its anti-cholinergic effect that leads to drug-induced acute angle closure glaucoma [10].
What are the side effects of atropine?
- visual sensitivity to light.
- blurred vision.
- dry eye.
- dry mouth.
- constipation.
- decreased sweating.
- reactions at the site of the injection.
- intense abdominal pain.
Is atropine eye drops safe?
Prolonged use of atropine eye drops may lead to local irritation, transient stinging, hyperaemia, oedema and conjunctivitis. An increase in intra-ocular pressure may occur, especially in patients with closed angle glaucoma. Hypersensitivity to atropine is not uncommon and may appear as a skin rash or conjunctivitis.
Is atropine a steroid?
No, atropine (Isopto Atropine) is not a steroid eye drop . Instead, atropine (Isopto Atropine) belongs to a class of medications called anticholinergics, and it works by blocking certain (muscarinic) receptors in the eye.
What is atropine used for in emergency situations?
It is used in emergency situations when the heart beats too slowly , as an antidote to for example organophosphate insecticide or nerve gas poisoning and in mushroom poisoning. It can be used as part of the premedication before general anaesthesia.
Does atropine treat glaucoma?
Atropine sulfate is used in the eye to dilate the pupil. It may also be used to control pain in the eye due to corneal and uveal disease and in treating secondary glaucoma .
What are the contraindications for atropine?
- overactive thyroid gland.
- myasthenia gravis, a skeletal muscle disorder.
- closed angle glaucoma.
- high blood pressure.
- coronary artery disease.
- chronic heart failure.
- asthma.
- a change in saliva secretion.
What class of drug is atropine?
Atropine may be used alone or with other medications. Atropine belongs to a class of drugs called Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic Agents .
Is atropine a poison?
Because of the hallucinogenic properties, some have used the drug recreationally, though this is potentially dangerous and often unpleasant. In overdoses, atropine is poisonous .
Does atropine stop the heart?
The use of atropine in cardiovascular disorders is mainly in the management of patients with bradycardia. Atropine increases the heart rate and improves the atrioventricular conduction by blocking the parasympathetic influences on the heart .
Why is atropine used in hospice?
In a hospice setting, atropine eye drops are used instead of injections to reduce excess mucus secretion and saliva production .
