Class Name(s):

• 52:24 Mydriatics

Pronunciation:

• (sye'' kloe pen' toe late)

Brand Name(s):

• Akpentolate^®Â¶
• Cyclogyl^®
• Pentolair^®Â¶
• Cyclomydril^® (as a combination product containing Cyclopentolate, Phenylephrine); also available generically

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic is used to cause mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye) before an eye examination. Cyclopentolate is in a class of medications called mydriatics. Cyclopentolate works by blocking certain receptors found in the eye to temporarily relax or provide short-term paralysis of the eye muscles.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Cyclopentolate comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. Your healthcare provider will instill the solution into the eye(s) prior to an eye examination.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may take about a half an hour or more to fully work after instillation. Effects generally may last for up to 24 hours, but may last several days in some people. People with dark eye colors may require increased cyclopentolate doses.

If cyclopentolate is given to a child, watch them closely for at least 30 minutes after instillation. Infants should not be fed for 4 hours after cyclopentolate instillation.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic is for use only in the eye(s). Do not swallow cyclopentolate solution.

Be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
3. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
4. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
5. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that the drop(s) fall into the pocket made by the lower eyelid.
6. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
7. Close your eye and tip your head down as though looking at the floor.
8. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.
9. If you require a second dose in the same eye, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before instilling the next drop(s) and repeat steps 1 to 8.
10. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle.
11. Wash your hands and if necessary your child's hands after instillation to remove any medication.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic is also sometimes used to treat uveitis (swelling and inflammation of the eye). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using ophthalmic cyclopentolate,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyclopentolate, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cyclopentolate solution. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using ophthalmic cyclopentolate. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have narrow angle glaucoma (a serious eye condition that may cause loss of vision). Your doctor will probably tell you not to use cyclopentolate.
• tell your doctor if you have Down's syndrome (an inherited condition causing a range of developmental and physical problems) or have or have ever had angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure which may lead to a loss of vision).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using cyclopentolate, call your doctor.
• you should know that your vision may be blurred during your treatment with cyclopentolate. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are unable to see clearly.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to protect your eyes (e.g., use sunglasses). Cyclopentolate may make your eyes sensitive to sunlight.
• you should know that ophthalmic cyclopentolate contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling ophthalmic cyclopentolate.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Call your doctor if you miss a dose and have questions about what to do.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Cyclopentolate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stinging, burning, or discomfort in the eye
• itching or redness of the eye

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• redness, swelling or other symptoms of pink eye
• problems with coordination (usually in children)
• slurred speech (usually in children)
• restlessness (usually in children)
• drowsiness
• hallucinations (usually in children)
• hyperactivity and other changes in behavior (usually in children)
• seizures (usually in children)
• mental confusion (usually in children)
• failure to recognize people (usually in children)
• rash
• bloating of the abdomen (when used in infants)
• fever
• difficulty urinating
• decreased sweating
• dry mouth

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• rapid heartbeat
• behavioral disturbances
• fever
• difficulty urinating
• decreased sweating
• loss of consciousness

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: May 15, 2025.