Drug reference
Tropicamide
Antimuscarinic · Mydriatics and cycloplegics
AntimuscarinicMydriatics and cycloplegics
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Tropicamide is a muscarinic receptor antagonist that prevents the effects of acetylcholine by blocking its binding to muscarinic receptors on effector cells. This action dilates the pupil (mydriasis) and paralyzes the ciliary muscle (cycloplegia).
Indications
FunduscopyTreatment of anterior uveitis (adjunct to corticosteroids)Ophthalmological examination (cycloplegia and mydriasis induction)cycloplegiamydriasisuveitisRefraction testing (in adults)Short acting mydriatic for fundoscopy
Dosing
- Pediatric
- Child: 0.5% eye drops to be applied 20 minutes before examination
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 20 minutes
Duration
Up to 6 hours
Side effects
Common
Eye erythemaEye irritation (on prolonged administration)Eye painHeadacheHypotensionNauseaSyncopeVision blurredRelatively unreliable cycloplegic
Drug interactions
10 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Other Antimuscarinic drugs
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF·Updated: 2026-05-10