Tropicamide 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution (15 ml)

Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops for Eye Exams and Surgery in Pets

Product Description

Tropicamide 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription anticholinergic eye medication used by veterinarians to dilate the pupils of dogs, cats, and horses. It works by taking the tension off the iris sphincter muscle and briefly suspending the muscles that govern pupil size, giving veterinarians a clear view of the back of the eye. With a rapid onset of around 15 to 30 minutes and a short duration of 3 to 6 hours, it is the preferred mydriatic agent for diagnostic eye examinations and pre and post-cataract surgery care.

Benefits

• Preferred Diagnostic Mydriatic: Consistently chosen by veterinarians for intraocular examinations thanks to its fast onset and short window of action.
• Posterior Eye Examination: Widens the pupil so veterinarians can get a proper view of the retina, optic disc, and other structures at the back of the eye.
• Cataract Surgery Support: Helps ease eye pain and keeps scar tissue from forming in the lead-up to and recovery from cataract surgery in dogs and cats.
• Shorter Action Than Atropine: Dilation clears within 3 to 6 hours, making it a more practical option than longer-acting alternatives for shorter examinations.
• Safer in IOP-Sensitive Pets: Less likely to raise intraocular pressure than atropine, which makes it a better fit for pets where eye pressure is already a concern.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Tropicamide 0.5%

How to Use

Tropicamide 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Avoid in Overt Glaucoma: Pets with confirmed glaucoma should not receive this medication, as it may push intraocular pressure higher and make the condition worse.
• Avoid Known Allergies: Pets with a known sensitivity to tropicamide or other anticholinergic eye medications should not be given this solution.
• Keep Away From Mouth: This solution drains through the nasolacrimal duct and tastes bitter, so keeping the pet from licking after application is important to prevent excessive drooling.
• Protect Eyes From Sunlight: Moving the pet into a low-light environment after application helps limit the discomfort that dilated pupils cause in bright conditions.
• Dropper Tip Hygiene: The tip of the dropper should be kept clear of the eye, hands, and all other surfaces to protect the sterility of the solution.
• Wear Gloves When Applying: Using gloves or washing hands well after giving this medication reduces the chance of accidentally getting the solution into your own eyes.

Possible Side Effects

• Excessive Salivation in Cats: Cats frequently drool after this medication is applied, triggered by the bitter taste as the solution makes its way into the mouth.
• Temporary Eye Irritation: A brief sting or mild discomfort when the drop lands in the eye is something pets commonly experience and it usually settles quickly.
• Increased Eye Pressure: Pets with a predisposition to glaucoma may have a short-lived rise in intraocular pressure while the medication is active, which a veterinarian should assess.
• Light Sensitivity: With the pupil held open, pets often find bright light uncomfortable during the hours the dilation is in effect.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Keeping the bottle at room temperature away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources is the right approach for this solution.
• Cap Secured After Use: Pressing the cap back on firmly after every use keeps the sterile solution protected from contamination between applications.
• Discard if Cloudy: A solution that looks off in color, has gone cloudy, or shows visible particles should be set aside and not used.

NOTE: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is tropicamide 0.5% ophthalmic solution used for in dogs and cats?

Ans: Tropicamide 0.5% is mainly used to open up the pupil for diagnostic eye examinations, giving veterinarians a proper view of the retina and back of the eye. It is also part of cataract surgery care to ease pain and prevent scar tissue, and serves as a gentler alternative to atropine in pets where eye pressure needs watching.

Q2: How quickly does tropicamide work and how long does it last in pets?

Ans: Dilation sets in within 15 to 30 minutes of the drop being applied and generally holds for 3 to 6 hours in most pets, though it can occasionally run closer to 12 hours in some. Being shorter-acting than atropine is part of why this medication is the go-to choice for routine diagnostic eye work.

Q3: Why does my cat drool after receiving tropicamide eye drops?

Ans: The solution travels through the nasolacrimal duct and reaches the back of the mouth, where its bitter taste sets off heavy salivation. This is a well-known and mostly harmless reaction in cats. That said, if the drooling seems excessive or goes on for a long time, checking in with a veterinarian is a good idea.

Q4: Can tropicamide be used in pets with glaucoma?

Ans: Pets with confirmed glaucoma should not receive this medication, as opening up the pupil can push pressure inside the eye higher and make things worse. In pets where eye pressure sits at borderline levels, it may sometimes be considered when atropine carries a greater IOP risk. A veterinarian will make that call based on the pet's eye health.

Q5: What should I do after applying tropicamide eye drops to my pet at home?

Ans: Keep your pet out of bright light for a few hours, as the open pupils will make them more sensitive to sunlight. Discourage them from rubbing or pawing at their eyes during this time. After handling the bottle, wash your hands well or remove gloves to avoid the solution getting into your own eyes.

Clinical Research

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12071868/
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vop.13280?af=R