Atropine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used in adults and children at least 3 months old to dilate (widen) your pupil before an eye exam or surgery, treat eye swelling, or to treat a condition called amblyopia (sometimes called 'lazy eye').

Atropine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

Atropine comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes and an eye ointment to apply to the eyes. The drops are usually instilled two to four times a day. The ointment is usually applied one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use atropine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
3. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
4. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
5. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
7. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
8. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
9. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure for 2-3 minutes.
10. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
11. If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.
12. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
13. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

To apply the eye ointment, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
3. Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
4. Tilt your head forward slightly.
5. Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
7. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
8. Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
9. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
10. Replace and tighten the cap right away.
11. Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before and after using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

To apply the ointment: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into this pocket. Blink gently and then close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe away excess ointment with a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

You should not use atropine ophthalmic if you are allergic to atropine. You should not use the ointment form of this medicine if you have glaucoma or a tendency to develop glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure;

• glaucoma; or

• a history of sensitivity to belladonna alkaloids such as belladonna, homatropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, or methscopolamine.

It is not known if atropine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not allow a young child to use atropine ophthalmic without help from an adult.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include vision problems, fast or uneven heart rate, fever, hallucinations, increased salivation, rash, dryness of the skin, or loss of balance or coordination.

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).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Avoid using any other eye medications your doctor has not prescribed.

atropine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving, especially at night or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Atropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors or in bright light.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when atropine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

atropine ophthalmic will cause sensitivity to light and blurred vision that could last up to 2 weeks.

Children can absorb larger amounts of the medicine and may be more likely to have side effects.

Atropine ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning or stinging of the eyes;

• severe eye redness or irritation;

• fast heart rate, restlessness or irritability;

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects of atropine ophthalmic may include:

• mild stinging or pain when the drops are placed into your eye;

• dry mouth, eyes, nose, or throat;

• fast heart rate; increased blood pressure;

• red, irritated or watery eyes;

• drowsiness; or

• vision problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to atropine eye drops or ointment.

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

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.