Uses

This medication is used before eye examinations (such as refraction), before and after certain eye surgeries, and to treat certain eye conditions (such as uveitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Homatropine hydrobromide works by widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye.

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, apply it usually 2 to 3 times daily, up to every 3 to 4 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. Do not use the solution if it turns brown or cloudy or if it contains particles.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5-10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• extreme thirst
• persistent dry mouth

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation)
• fast/irregular heartbeat

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• eye pain/swelling
• vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using homatropine hydrobromide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (such as atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type)
• other eye conditions (such as keratoconus)
• Down syndrome
• brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children)

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when outdoors.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Caution is advised when using this drug in infants or small children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Do not allow this medication to get into the child's mouth. Remember to wash your hands after each use.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

• certain antiarrhythmic drugs (such as quinidine)
• antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine, meclizine)
• antispasmodics (such as dicyclomine)
• certain drugs for Parkinson's disease (including anticholinergics such as trihexyphenidyl)
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• other eye medications
• tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations), loss of coordination.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you are using this drug on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store between 46-75 degrees F (8-24 degrees C) away from light and heat. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.