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Cyclopentolate/phenylephrine (Into the eye)

Cyclopentolate (sye-kloe-PEN-toe-late), Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Used to dilate your eyes.

Brand Name(s):

Cyclomydril

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cyclopentolate or phenylephrine, or if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • If you are giving this medicine to a child:
    • Watch your child closely for at least 30 minutes after you give this medicine. Side effects occur more often in children.
    • Make sure you do not get any medicine in your child's mouth. Wash your hands and your child's hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
    • Ask your doctor about feeding your child. Your child may not tolerate food for 4 hours after receiving this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for glaucoma, such as carbachol or pilocarpine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an overactive thyroid, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
  • This medicine can caused blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.
  • This medicine will make your eyes sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses when you are outside.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Eye pain
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Unusual behavior, confusion, restlessness, or seeing things that are not there (especially in children)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Mild burning in your eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024
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