Isopto Atropine

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 4/27/2023

Drug Summary

What Is Isopto Atropine?

Isopto Atropine (atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution) 1%, for topical ophthalmic use is a muscarinic antagonist indicated for dilation of the pupils (mydriasis), paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of lazy eye (amblyopia).

What Are Side Effects of Isopto Atropine?

Isopto Atropine may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • severe burning or stinging of the eyes,
  • severe eye redness or irritation,
  • fast heart rate,
  • restlessness,
  • irritability,
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
  • severe headache,
  • blurred vision,
  • pounding in your neck or ears,
  • nosebleed, and
  • anxiety

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Isopto Atropine include:

  • eye pain and stinging on administration,
  • blurred vision,
  • eye sensitivity to light,
  • eye inflammation,
  • decreased tearing,
  • drowsiness,
  • increased heart rate, and
  • increased blood pressure,
  • dry skin/mouth/throat,
  • drowsiness,
  • restlessness,
  • irritability, and
  • flushed skin of the face and neck.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Isopto Atropine

In individuals from three (3) months of age or greater the dose of Isopto Atropine is 1 drop applied topically to the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva, forty minutes prior to the intended maximal dilation time, In individuals 3 years of age or greater, doses of Isopto Atropine may be repeated up to twice daily as needed.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Isopto Atropine?

Isopto Atropine may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Isopto Atropine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Isopto Atropine; it is unknown if it will affect a fetus. It is unknown if Isopto Atropine passes into breast milk or if it would affect a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Isopto Atropine (atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution) 1%, for topical ophthalmic use Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

ISOPTO® Atropine 1% is a sterile topical ophthalmic solution. Each mL of ISOPTO® Atropine 1% contains 10 mg of atropine sulfate monohydrate equivalent to 9.7 mg/mL of atropine sulfate or 8.3 mg of atropine. Atropine sulfate monohydrate is designated chemically as benzeneacetic acid, α-(hydroxymethyl)-,8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo-[3.2.1]oct-3-yl ester, endo-(±)-, sulfate(2:1) (salt), monohydrate. Its molecular formula is (C17H23NO3)2 • H2SO4 • H2O and it is represented by the chemical structure:

ISOPTO® ATROPINE (atropine sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

Atropine sulfate monohydrate is colorless crystals or white crystalline powder and has a molecular weight of 694.83.

ISOPTO® Atropine 1% has a pH of 3.5 to 6.0.
Active ingredient: atropine sulfate monohydrate 1.0%
Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01%

Inactive ingredients: hypromellose, boric acid, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), purified water.

Uses for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

ISOPTO® Atropine 1% is indicated for:

Mydriasis

Cycloplegia

Penalization Of The healthy Eye In The Treatment Of Amblyopia

Dosage for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

In Individuals From Three (3) Months Of Age Or Greater, 1 Drop Topically To The Cul-De-Sac Of The Conjunctiva, Forty Minutes Prior To The Intended Maximal Dilation Time.

In Individuals 3 Years Of Age Or Greater, Doses May Be Repeated Up To Twice Daily As Needed.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Ophthalmic solution: 1% atropine sulfate (10mg/mL)

Storage And Handling

ISOPTO® Atropine 1% is supplied sterile in low-density polyethylene plastic DROP-TAINER® dispensers with low-density polyethylene tips and red polypropylene caps as follows:

  • 5 mL filled in 8-mL bottles NDC 0065-0303-55
  • 15 mL filled in 15-mL bottles NDC 0065-0303-15

Storage: Store ISOPTO® Atropine 1% at 2–25°C (36–77°F).

Manufactured by: ALCON LABORATORIES, INC. Fort Worth, Texas 76134 USA. Revised: December 2016

Side Effects for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:

The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Ocular Adverse Reactions

Eye pain and stinging occurs upon instillation of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution. Other commonly occurring adverse reactions include blurred vision, photophobia, superficial keratitis and decreased lacrimation. Allergic reactions such as papillary conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, and eyelid edema may also occur less commonly.

Systemic Adverse Reactions

Systemic effects of atropine are related to its anti-muscarinic activity. Systemic adverse events reported include dryness of skin, mouth, and throat from decreased secretions from mucus membranes; drowsiness; restlessness, irritability or delirium from stimulation of the central nervous system; tachycardia; flushed skin of the face and neck.

Drug Interactions for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

The use of atropine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) is generally not recommended because of the potential to precipitate hypertensive crisis.

Warnings for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

Precautions for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

Photophobia And Blurred Vision

Photophobia and blurred vision due to pupil unresponsiveness and cycloplegia may last up to 2 weeks.

Elevation Of Blood Pressure

Elevation in blood pressure from systemic absorption has been reported following conjunctival instillation of recommended doses of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, 1%.

Increased Adverse Drug Reaction Susceptibility With Certain Central Nervous System Conditions

Individuals with Down syndrome, spastic paralysis, or brain damage are particularly susceptible to central nervous system disturbances, cardiopulmonary, and gastrointestinal toxicity from systemic absorption of atropine.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Atropine sulfate was negative in the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test. Studies to evaluate carcinogenicity and impairment of fertility have not been conducted.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with ISOPTO® Atropine 1% administration in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. Adequate animal development and reproduction studies have not been conducted with atropine sulfate. In humans, 1% atropine sulfate is systemically bioavailable following topical ocular administration [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. ISOPTO® Atropine 1% should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation

There is no information to inform risk regarding the presence of atropine in human milk following ocular administration of ISOPTO® Atropine 1% to the mother. The effects on breastfed infants and the effects on milk production are also unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ISOPTO® Atropine 1% and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ISOPTO® Atropine 1%.

Pediatric Use

Due to the potential for systemic absorption of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution the use of ISOPTO® Atropine 1% in children under the age of 3 months is not recommended and the use in children under 3 years of age should be limited to no more than one drop per eye per day. Safety and efficacy in children above the age of 3 months has been established in adequate and well controlled trials.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and adult patients.

Overdose Information for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

In the event of accidental ingestion or toxic overdosage with atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution supportive care may include a short acting barbiturate or diazepam as needed to control marked excitement and convulsions. Large doses for sedation should be avoided because central depressant action may coincide with the depression occurring late in atropine poisoning. Central stimulants are not recommended.

Physostigmine, given by slow intravenous injection of 1 to 4 mg (0.5 to 1 mg in pediatric populations), rapidly abolishes delirium and coma caused by large doses of atropine. Since physostigmine is rapidly destroyed, the patient may again lapse into coma after one to two hours, and repeated doses may be required.

Artificial respiration with oxygen may be necessary. Cooling measures may be needed to help to reduce fever, especially in pediatric populations.

The fatal pediatric and adult doses of atropine are not known.

Contraindications for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

Atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution should not be used in anyone who has demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity or known allergic reaction to any ingredient of the formulation because it may recur.

Clinical Pharmacology for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

Mechanism Of Action

Atropine acts as a competitive antagonist of the parasympathetic (and sympathetic) acetylcholine muscarinic receptors. Topical atropine on the eye induces mydriasis by inhibiting contraction of the circular pupillary sphincter muscle normally stimulated by acetylcholine. This inhibition allows the countering radial pupillary dilator muscle to contract which results in dilation of the pupil. Additionally, atropine induces cycloplegia by paralysis of the ciliary muscle which controls accommodation while viewing objects.

Pharmacodynamics

The onset of action after administration of ISOPTO Atropine 1% generally occurs in minutes with maximal effect seen in hours and the effect can last multiple days [see Clinical Studies].

Pharmacokinetics

In a study of healthy subjects, after topical ocular administration of 30 μL of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, 1%, the mean (± SD) systemic bioavailability of l-hyoscyamine was reported to be approximately 64 ± 29% (range 19% to 95%) as compared to intravenous administration of atropine sulfate. The mean (± SD) time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was approximately 28 ± 27 minutes (range 3 to 60 minutes), and the mean (±SD) peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of l-hyoscyamine was 288 ± 73 pg/mL. The mean (±SD) plasma half-life was reported to be approximately 2.5 ± 0.8 hours.

In a separate study of patients undergoing ocular surgery, after topical ocular administration of 40 μL of atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, 1%, the mean (± SD) plasma Cmax of l-hyoscyamine was 860 ± 402 pg/mL.

Clinical Studies

Topical administration of ISOPTO® Atropine 1% results in mydriasis and/or cycloplegia, with efficacy demonstrated in both adults and children. The maximum effect for mydriasis is achieved in about 30–40 minutes after administration, with recovery after approximately 7–10 days. The maximum effect for cycloplegia is achieved within 60–180 minutes after administration, with recovery after approximately 7–12 days.

Patient Information for Isopto Atropine Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Solution

  • Advise patients not to drive or engage in other hazardous activities while pupils are dilated.
  • Advise patient that they may experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light and should protect their eyes in bright illumination during dilation. These effects may last up to a couple weeks.
  • Advise patients that they may experience drowsiness.
  • Advise patients not to touch the dispenser tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution.

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