Tropicamide

Tropicamide In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Inhibits acetylcholine at the iris sphincter and ciliary body muscles, causing mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle).

Uses of Tropicamide

• Tropicamide is a synthetic, short-acting anticholinergic used for mydriasis and cycloplegia.
• It is preferred for intraocular examination due to its rapid onset (20–30 minutes) and short duration of action (2–12 hours in dogs, 4–9 hours in cats).
• While more effective as a mydriatic than as a cycloplegic, it is less effective than atropine in relieving ciliary body muscle spasms associated with uveitis.
• Caution should be exercised when using tropicamide in patients with lens luxation.

Dose of Tropicamide in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 1 drop per eye, repeat after 20–30 min if necessary.

Side Effects of Tropicamide in Dogs and Cats

• May cause salivation in cats, but less marked than with atropine.

Contraindications of Tropicamide in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid in glaucoma.