Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
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Brand Name :
AK-Pentolate, Cyclogyl,
Synonyms :
cyclopentolate
Class :
Anticholinergic Agents, Ophthalmic,
Brand Name :
AK-Pentolate, Cyclogyl,
Synonyms :
cyclopentolate
Class :
Anticholinergic Agents, Ophthalmic,
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Solution Â
0.5% Â
1% Â
2% Â
indicated for Cycloplegia/Mydriasis Diaganosis :
1 - 2
drops
of a 1% solution
eye
, repeated every five minutes as necessary; mydriasis and cycloplegia could last for 24 hours
In iris with high pigmentation, use 2%.
Management of Overdose   :
Eye: Wash your eyes with water 
Consumption: Lavage and emesis 
ADRs with severe systemic effects: Physostigmine 
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Solution Â
0.5% Â
1% Â
2% Â
indicated for Cycloplegia/Mydriasis Diaganosis  :
1-2 drops of a 1% solution in the eye, repeated every five minutes as necessary; mydriasis and cycloplegia could last for 24 hours
In iris with high pigmentation, use 2%
Management of Overdose   :
Eye: Wash your eyes with water 
Consumption: Lavage and emesis 
ADRs with severe systemic effects: Physostigmine 
Refer to adult dosingÂ
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
they increase the anticholinergic effect of tiotropium
anticholinergic agents increase the efficacy of cimetropium
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of constipation of eluxadoline
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
anticholinergic agents increase the ulcer-producing effect of potassium chloride
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic drugs
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cimetropium
it increases the effect of constipation of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of ulcer formation of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tiotropium
may diminish the rate of excretion which results in higher serum level
may diminish the rate of excretion which results in higher serum level
may diminish the rate of excretion which results in higher serum level
may diminish the rate of excretion which results in higher serum level
may diminish the rate of excretion which results in higher serum level
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the effect of gastrointestinal drugs
may reduce the therapeutic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
may increase the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
May enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may enhance the adverse/toxic effect
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects of opioid agonists
may increase the risk of adverse effects of opioid agonists
may increase the risk of adverse effects of opioid agonists
may increase the risk of adverse effects of opioid agonists
When cyclopentolate is used together with profenamine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
may decrease the cholinergic effect of cholinergic agents
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may increase the risk of adverse effect of other cholinergic antagonistsÂ
may reduce the therapeutic effect
may reduce the therapeutic effect
may reduce the therapeutic effect
may reduce the therapeutic effect
may reduce the therapeutic effect
reduce the therapeutic effect
reduce the therapeutic effect
reduce the therapeutic effect
reduce the therapeutic effect
reduce the therapeutic effect
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of other ACE inhibitors
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of other ACE inhibitors
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of other ACE inhibitors
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of other ACE inhibitors
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of other ACE inhibitors
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of tachycardia of cannabinoid-containing products
anticholinergic agents increase the toxicity of glucagon
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of itopride
it increases the toxicity of anticholinergic agents
anticholinergic agents diminish the absorption of nitroglycerin
anticholinergic agents increase the toxicity of opioid agents
anticholinergic agents increase the toxicity of opioid agents
anticholinergic agents increase the toxicity of opioid agents
anticholinergic agents increase the toxicity of opioid agents
may reduce the therapeutic effect of secretin
anticholinergic agents increase the toxic or adverse effects of topiramate
it increases the effect of anticholinergic agents
they decrease the efficacy of anticholinergic agents
they decrease the efficacy of anticholinergic agents
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents increase the effect of cannabinoid products
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of gastrointestinal agents
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of gastrointestinal agents
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of gastrointestinal agents
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of gastrointestinal agents
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of gastrointestinal agents
due to the anticholinergic activity of diphenhydramine, the effects of anticholinergics (e.g., some psychotropic drugs and atropine) may be intensified, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., colic), urinary retention, increased heart rate, and headache
anticholinergic agents decrease the efficacy of secretin methacholine
anticholinergic agents increase the constipating effect of clozapine
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Cyclopentolate is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called antimuscarinics. It is primarily used as a mydriatic (pupil dilator) and cycloplegic (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye) during eye exams and surgeries. It works by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on the muscles of the eye, causing the pupils to dilate and the ciliary muscle to relax. This allows for a better examination of the retina and other internal structures of the eye.Â
Cyclopentolate also has some side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. It is available in multiple forms such as ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic ointment, and ophthalmic gel.Â
Frequency Not Defined Â
Light intolerance Â
Burning sensation in eye Â
Tachycardia Â
Raised intraocular pressure Â
Blurred vision Â
Conjunctivitis Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindication:Â Â
Caution:Â Â
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
US FDA pregnancy category: CÂ
Lactation:  Â
Excreted into human milk is unknown Â
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: Â
cyclopentolate is primarily used in ophthalmology to dilate the pupils and reduce eye muscle spasms. It is also used to treat certain types of strabismus (crossed eyes) and to reduce pain and discomfort associated with certain types of eye surgery.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
cyclopentolate is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in the body. This leads to a reduction in muscle tone and spasms, making it useful for a variety of conditions. Â
Pharmacokinetics: Â
Absorption Â
When administered as eye drops, cyclopentolate is rapidly absorbed through the cornea and reaches peak concentrations within 15-30 minutes. When administered as an injection, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Â
Distribution Â
cyclopentolate is highly protein-bound in the blood and has a large volume of distribution. It is distributed to the eyes, brain, and other tissues in the body. Â
Metabolism Â
cyclopentolate is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The main metabolite is a compound called phenylcyclohexylglycolic acid. Â
Elimination Â
cyclopentolate is eliminated primarily through the urine, with a half-life of approximately 3 hours. The metabolite is eliminated through the urine and feces.
Administration: Â
Ophthalmic Administration Â
cyclopentolate is administered as eye drops or as an injection. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s individual needs.Â
For eye drops, the usual dosage is one or two drops instilled into the affected eye(s) one to three times daily. The eye drops should be administered after the eye has been properly cleaned and dried.Â
For injection, the usual dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg per injection, given intramuscularly or intravenously. The frequency of administration will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s individual needs.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: cyclopentolateÂ
Why do we use cyclopentolate?Â
cyclopentolate is used as a mydriatic and cycloplegic agent in ophthalmology.Â
A mydriatic agent dilates (widens) the pupil, making it easier to examine the inside of the eye. This is useful in a variety of eye exams, including routine eye exams, glaucoma evaluations, and retinal exams.Â
A cycloplegic agent paralyses the ciliary muscle, which allows for a more accurate measurement of the eye’s refractive error and can also be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with certain eye conditions such as iritis and uveitis.Â
cyclopentolate is also used to help diagnose certain eye conditions, such as amblyopia, which is a condition that affects the visual development of the brain and results in decreased vision in one eye.Â
Hence, cyclopentolate is used to dilate the pupil and paralyze the ciliary muscle in order to make it easier to examine the inside of the eye and diagnose certain eye conditions.Â
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