USES: This medication is used to treat certain eye conditions (e.g., uveitis), or to dilate the pupils for eye examination or surgery.
HOW TO USE: Follow directions for use exactly. Treatments and doses vary according to your medical condition or procedure. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops (no more than 2). Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Administer eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Wash hands thoroughly after administering the drops, especially with use in children. Do not allow drops to enter the mouths of children.
SIDE EFFECTS: Light sensitivity, blurred vision, dryness of the mouth, dizziness and drowsiness likely will occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: eye pain, eye swelling, eye redness, vision problems (such as decreased side vision). Unlikely but report promptly: mood/mental changes, vomiting, muscle spasms, difficulty urinating. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), glaucoma (narrow-angle), liver problems, kidney problems, severe narrowing of the stomach/intestines/bladder. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication. Since this drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, do not drive or engage in other hazardous tasks. Protect eyes from bright light and wear UVA/UVB sunglasses while eyes are dilated. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. The elderly are particularly sensitive to the side effects of this drug, therefore caution is advised with use of this drug. Children are particularly sensitive to the side effects of this drug, therefore use caution when using this drug in children.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: belladonna (e.g., Donnatal), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine), certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants. Check nonprescription drug labels carefully, as many products (e.g., for cough/cold) contain antihistamines causing drowsiness. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 46 and 80 degrees F (8-27 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
