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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cyclopentolate ophthalmic (AK-Pentolate, Cyclogyl, Cylate, Ocu-Pentolate)?

You should not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to cyclopentolate ophthalmic, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma.

Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have glaucoma. Your doctor may need to watch you closely for certain side effects after you receive cyclopentolate ophthalmic.

FDA pregnancy category C. Cyclopentolate may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before you receive this medication.

Cyclopentolate ophthalmic can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Infants and children may be more likely to have side effects from cyclopentolate ophthalmic. Watch for signs of behavior changes in a child who has been treated with this medication.

How should I use cyclopentolate ophthalmic (AK-Pentolate, Cyclogyl, Cylate, Ocu-Pentolate)?

Cyclopentolate is usually given in and eye doctor's office, about 40 to 50 minutes before your eye exam or other procedure.

You should not receive this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Cyclopentolate ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after receiving the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.

Your doctor will tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. The correct number of eye drops will then be placed into one or both eyes.

After the eye drops are placed, gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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