homatropine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

homatropine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Isopto Homatropine

What is the most important information I should know about homatropine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 to 3 minutes after each drop to prevent the medicine from draining down your tear duct.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Homatropine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities. The effects of even one drop of this medication can last for up to 3 days. Be sure that your vision is clear before attempting any activity that could be dangerous. Homatropine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes when you are going to be in bright light.

What is homatropine ophthalmic?

Homatropine ophthalmic causes the muscles in your eye to become relaxed. This widens your pupil. Your pupil will remain wide and will not respond to light.

Homatropine ophthalmic is used to dilate (widen) your pupil when you have an inflammatory condition or in diagnostic or postsurgery situations in which this effect may be helpful.

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

Who should not use homatropine ophthalmic?

Do not use homatropine ophthalmic if you have glaucoma that is not being treated.

Homatropine ophthalmic eye drops contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft contact lenses when the eye drops are being inserted.

Homatropine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use homatropine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Homatropine ophthalmic passes into breast milk in small quantities. Its effects on a nursing baby are unknown. Do not use homatropine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age, there is a greater chance that you have increased pressure in your eyes. Homatropine ophthalmic may worsen this condition. Your doctor will need to monitor this. Homatropine ophthalmic may cause unusual reactions in children and infants since they may be more susceptible to the side effects. Use extra caution when homatropine ophthalmic is being used on a child.

How should I use homatropine ophthalmic?

Use homatropine ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using your eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 to 3 minutes to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store homatropine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.