Tropicamide: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What is Tropicamide?
Tropicamide is an anticholinergic drug belonging to alkaloids and is derived from atropine. It is widely used to dilate the pupil of the eye for ocular examination and various ocular procedures. Tropicamide acts by relaxation of the eye muscles by acting as a muscarinic receptor antagonist, leading to dilation of the pupil. The most common formulations of Tropicamide are eye drops, available in strengths of 0.5% and 1% solutions. Eye drops are indicated for external use only.
What are the uses of Tropicamide?
- Tropicamide is an anticholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist that is used to cause cycloplegia and mydriasis. It is usually given before eye examinations to dilate the pupil of the eye for better examination.
- Tropicamide is also used in various ocular producers to dilate the pupil for ease of the procedure.
- It is also indicated post-cataract surgery to reduce swelling and redness of the eyes.
- Indicated in the treatment of uveitis to reduce the inflammation