Side Effects of Mydriatics

Mydiatrics are medications used to produce mydriasis meaning pupil dilation or paralysis of the ciliary muscle in the eyes. They are also used to treat eye pain due to inflammatory eye disorders. Mydiatrics are used before and after eye surgeries. Some mydiatrics are atropine, scopolamine hydrobromide, tropicamide and cyclopentolate hydrochloride.

• Mydiatrics cause pupil dilation

Local Side Effects

• Application of a mydiatric to the eyes causes the following side effects: blurred vision, sensitivity to bright lights, dry eyes, eye irritation and redness and swelling of the eye lids.

Systemic Side Effects

• Mydiatrics are used in the eyes but if the drug travel to other parts of the body via the blood circulation, they have the following side effects: confusion, delirium, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing and fast heart beats.

Adverse Side Effects

• These are serious side effects of mydiatrics that you need to report to your doctor. They are: fever, irritability, a fast pulse, irregular heart beats, mental confusion and difficulty urinating.

Precautions

• Before using a mydiatric drug like atropine eye drops or eye ointment, tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any mydiatric and if you have glaucoma. Also, let your doctor know what medication you are taking especially antihistamine, cough and cold medicines. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor. Children with blonde hair and blue eyes experience more pronounced systemic side effects to mydiatrics.

Helpful Information

• Wear dark sunglasses to avoid sunlight and other bright lights due to light sensitivity. For dry mouth side effects, use sugarless hard candy and because of blurred vision, make sure your eyesight is clear before your drive or do anything that requires being able to see well.