Atropine Eye Drops or Eye Ointment

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Atropine eye drops are used to keep your pet's pupil open when there is inflammation within the eye. Atropine relieves muscle spasm and therefore pain in the eye.

Atropine eye drops are available as human formulations but Australian veterinarians can prescribe these to dogs and cats.

A formulation of atropine eye ointment is also available for veterinary use.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Your veterinarian will show you how to put the drops or ointment in your pet's eye.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT stop giving this medication without consulting your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet requires a repeat prescription.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Keep container tightly closed. Discard 1 month after opening.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Cats, in particular, may drool (salivate) after administration of the eye drops. If these symptoms are troublesome, contact your veterinarian. Other symptoms include dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, urinary retention, and problems with sight. Contact your veterinarian, if these symptoms occur.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.