scopolamine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

scopolamine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Isopto Hyoscine

What is the most important information I should know about scopolamine 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. Scopolamine 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. Scopolamine ophthalmic may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes when you are going to be in bright light.

What is scopolamine ophthalmic?

Scopolamine 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.

Scopolamine 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.

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

Who should not use scopolamine ophthalmic?

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

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

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

How should I use scopolamine ophthalmic?

Use scopolamine 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 scopolamine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.