Cyclopentolate (other name Cyclogyl)

Common use

Cyclogyl relaxes muscles in your eye to dilate (widen) your pupil. Cyclogyl (for the eyes) is used to dilate your pupil in preparation for an eye exam.

Dosage and direction

This medicine is usually given about 40 to 50 minutes before your eye exam or other procedure. After you receive the drops, close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Precautions

Cyclogyl can cause feeding problems in an infant. After this medicine has been given to your infant, wait at least 4 hours before you feed the child.
Cyclogyl can cause blurred vision for up to 24 hours after using it. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Cyclogyl may also make your eyes more sensitive to light. Until the effects wear off, protect your eyes from the sun or bright light.

Contraindications

You should not receive Cyclogyl if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to Cyclogyl, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma. To make sure Cyclogyl is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor right away if you have: blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; severe burning or redness of your eyes; drowsiness; constipation, little or no urinating; dry mouth or nose, decreased sweating; fast heartbeats; or fever, skin rash, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Drug interaction

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on cyclopentolate used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Missed dose

Since Cyclogyl is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others.