TROPICAMIDE

TROPICAMIDE: Tropicamide is a medication used in ophthalmology. It functions as a mydriatic agent, meaning it dilates the pupil of the eye, and as a cycloplegic agent, which temporarily paralyzes the muscles that control the shape of the lens, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects.

The primary use of tropicamide is in eye examinations and diagnostic procedures to assess the retina, optic nerve, and other structures in the eye. It is also used in the management of conditions such as uveitis and iritis, where pupil dilation and temporary paralysis of the lens muscles may be necessary for treatment.

Tropicamide works by blocking the activity of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in the smooth muscles of the eye. By doing so, it relaxes the iris sphincter muscle, causing the pupil to dilate. It also blocks the ciliary muscle, which controls the lens’s shape, leading to cycloplegia.

The usual dose of tropicamide for adults and children is one to two drops (0.5% or 1%) instilled into the affected eye(s). The effects typically occur within 20 to 40 minutes and last for approximately 4 to 8 hours. In some cases, eye specialists may use a higher concentration (e.g., 2%) to achieve more profound dilation for specific procedures.

Common side effects of tropicamide include temporary stinging or burning upon instillation, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and dryness of the eyes. These effects resolve on their own and are generally well-tolerated. However, the use of tropicamide may result in systemic side effects such as increased heart rate, dry mouth, flushed skin, fever, and behavioral effects, particularly in infants and young children.

It is essential to note that tropicamide may impair vision, thus affecting the ability to drive or operate machinery immediately after administration. Patients should be advised to wait until their vision returns to normal before engaging in such activities.