Actions and Spectrum: 

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. 

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. 

 

 

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency Not Defined  

Light intolerance  

Burning sensation in eye  

Tachycardia  

Raised intraocular pressure  

Blurred vision  

Conjunctivitis  

 

 

 

 

 

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication:  

• cyclopentolate is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication. 

Caution:  

• cyclopentolate should be used with caution in individuals with glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, or a history of urinary tract obstruction.  
• It may also cause drowsiness or blurred vision, so individuals should not operate heavy machinery or drive while under the effects of the medication. 
• Additionally, it should not be used in children under the age of 2 years. 

 

Pregnancy warnings:     

US FDA pregnancy category: C 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

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.    

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.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

 

 

Pharmacology:  

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. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

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.  

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption  

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.  

Distribution  

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.  

Metabolism  

cyclopentolate is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The main metabolite is a compound called phenylcyclohexylglycolic acid.  

Elimination  

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:  

Ophthalmic Administration  

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. 

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. 

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. 

 

 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cyclopentolate 

Why do we use cyclopentolate? 

cyclopentolate is used as a mydriatic and cycloplegic agent in ophthalmology. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.