Have you ever had your eyes checked and the doctor prescribed a medication to make your black eye bigger? After using it, your eyes became blurry for a while and you had trouble going out in the sun, didn't you? Cyclopentolate is a special medication that can only be prescribed by doctors and is used in such cases. Today, we will talk in detail about this medication, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is this cyclopentolate?
Simply put, this is an eye solution. Its main function is to temporarily enlarge the black part of the eye, the pupil, which is in the middle of our eye. This then reduces its sensitivity to light.
Now you may be wondering, "Why do we do that?" This allows your eye doctor to see the inside of your eye, especially the retina, very clearly. This is why this medicine is often used in diagnostic procedures to check for eye conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, it is important for your doctor to know some things. This is very important for your safety. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation to be reported | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | Due to a medical condition related to eye pressure, this medicine may not be suitable. |
| Down's Syndrome | People with this condition may be more sensitive to this medication. |
| If you wear contact lenses | The method and time of administration of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Allergies | Tell us if you have any allergies to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects on the child. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You need to be careful about whether the medicine can be taken with milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine is for eye use only . Do not take by mouth. Use only as directed by your doctor.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Preparation: Tilt your head back slightly and pull the eyelid down slightly with your index finger. This will create a small pouch.
3. Putting the medicine: Put just one drop from the medicine bottle into the pouch-like area.
4. Eye closure: After applying the medication, close your eyes and gently apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye between your nose and ear for 1 to 3 minutes . This will help the medication absorb into your eye and reduce the chance of it spreading to other parts of your body.
5. Keep the gap: If you need to put more than one drop, put one in and wait 5 minutes before putting the next one in. If you are using other eye medications, leave a 5-minute gap between them as well.
6. Cleanliness: Do not let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and cause eye infections.
This medicine requires special care when used in young children, so follow your pediatrician's instructions carefully.
What if the dose of medicine is increased or forgotten?
If the dose is increased
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
If you miss a dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time, including the missed one.
Special points to be considered when using
- Blurred vision and drowsiness: Your vision may be blurred for a short time after taking this medicine. You may also feel sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Sensitivity to light: The eyes may feel as if the light is too bright. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear a pair of sunglasses if you are going outside after taking the medication.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying this medication. You can reinsert them 15 minutes after applying the medication.
- Young babies: If this is used on young babies who are breastfeeding, sometimes feeding intolerance may occur. Therefore, the doctor may advise you to stop feeding the baby for 4 hours after giving the medicine. Also, the baby should be carefully observed for at least 30 minutes after giving the medicine.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, or other conditions (e.g., carbachol, pilocarpine). Some medications may interact with this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Hallucinations | Seeing or hearing things that are not there. |
| Eye pain or redness | New or worsening eye pain, redness, or discharge. |
| Behavioral changes | Showing unusual changes in behavior. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Blurry vision | Temporary blurred vision. |
| Confusion | Feeling of confusion in the brain. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling like saliva is stuck in the mouth. |
| Mild eye irritation/itching | Slight discomfort immediately after applying the medicine. |
Take-Home Message
- Cyclopentolate is an ophthalmic medication that is used only on the prescription of a doctor.
- Always tell your doctor about your other medical conditions (especially glaucoma) and other medications you are taking.
- When using the medicine, keep the mouth of the bottle clean so that it does not touch anything.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, hallucinations, or severe eye pain.
- Avoid driving and wear sunglasses after applying the medication, as vision may be blurred and sensitive to light.
- Always keep this medicine in a safe place, at room temperature, out of the reach of small children.
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