Cyclopentolate

Managing this medication for someone you care for? Eleplan keeps diagnoses, medications and appointments in one plan.

Start free with Eleplan

Medication reference

Cyclopentolate

OPHTHALMIC

Cyclopentolate. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclopentolate hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia.

Cyclopentolate

Brand names

CyclogylCyclopentolate Hydrochloride

Active ingredients

CYCLOPENTOLATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclopentolate hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Adults: Instill one or two drops of 0.5%, 1% or 2% solution in the eye which may be repeated in five to ten minutes if necessary. Complete recovery usually occurs in 24 hours. Complete recovery from mydriasis in some individuals may require several days. Children: Instill one or two drops of 0.5%, 1% or 2% solution in the eye which may be repeated five to ten minutes later by a second application of 0.5% or 1% solution if necessary. Small Infants: A single instillation of one drop of 0.5% in the eye. To minimize absorption, apply pressure over the nasolacrimal sac for two to three minutes. Observe infant closely for at least 30 minutes following instillation. Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strengths.

Warnings

WARNINGS: FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY . NOT FOR INJECTION. This preparation may cause Central Nervous System (CNS) disturbances. This is especially true in younger age groups, but may occur at any age, especially with the stronger solutions. Infants are especially prone to CNS and cardiopulmonary side effects from cyclopentolate. To minimize absorption, use only 1 drop of 0.5% CYCLOGYL solution per eye, followed by pressure applied over the nasolacrimal sac for two to three minutes. Observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes following instillation. Mydriatics may produce a transient elevation of intraocular pressure. Therefore, patients with untreated narrow angle glaucoma or anatomically narrow angles may be susceptible to angle closure following administration.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Should not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to any component of this preparation.

Drug interactions

Drug Interactions: Cyclopentolate may interfere with the ocular anti-hypertensive action of carbachol, pilocarpine, or ophthalmic cholinesterase inhibitors.

Adverse reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS Ocular: Increased intraocular pressure, burning, photophobia, blurred vision, irritation, hyperemia, conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, synechiae have been reported. Non-ocular: Use of cyclopentolate has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances, usually in children, especially with 2% concentration. These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place, and failure to recognize people. This drug produces reactions similar to those of other anticholinergic drugs, but the CNS manifestations as noted above are more common. Other toxic manifestations of anticholinergic drugs are skin rash, abdominal distention in infants, necrotizing enterocolitis (in preterm infants), unusual drowsiness, tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, vasodilation, urinary retention, diminished gastrointestinal motility and decreased secretion in salivary and sweat glands, pharynx, bronchi and nasal passages. Severe manifestations of toxicity include coma, medullary paralysis and death. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Mechanism of action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: This anticholinergic preparation blocks the responses of the sphincter muscle of the iris and the accommodative muscle of the ciliary body to cholinergic stimulation, producing pupillary dilation (mydriasis) and paralysis of accommodation (cycloplegia). It acts rapidly, but has a shorter duration than atropine. Maximal cycloplegia occurs within 25 to 75 minutes after instillation. Complete recovery of accommodation usually takes 6 to 24 hours. Complete recovery from mydriasis in some individuals may require several days. Heavily pigmented irides may require more doses than lightly pigmented irides.

Available forms (7)

NDC examples

0065-03950065-03960065-039724208-735

Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026

Look up another medication

Powered by Eleplan

Bring an organized medication list to your next appointment.

Create a free care plan, then tell Ellie which medications belong on your list. Looking up a medication does not add it to your records.