Tropicamide: Difference between revisions

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'''Tropicamide''' is a [[drug]] used in [[ophthalmology]] to dilate the [[pupil]] and relax the [[lens]] of the [[eye]]. It is classified as an [[anticholinergic]] agent, specifically a [[muscarinic antagonist]], and is commercially available as an [[eye drop]] solution.
{{Short description|A medication used to dilate the pupil and aid in eye examinations}}
 
[[File:Tropicamide.svg|Chemical structure of Tropicamide|thumb|right]]
 
'''Tropicamide''' is a medication primarily used in ophthalmology to induce [[mydriasis]] (dilation of the pupil) and [[cycloplegia]] (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye). It is commonly used to facilitate eye examinations, particularly for the assessment of the [[retina]] and [[optic nerve]].


==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Tropicamide works by blocking the [[muscarinic acetylcholine receptors]] in the muscles of the eye. This results in the relaxation of the [[ciliary muscle]] and the [[sphincter muscle of the iris]], leading to dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) and paralysis of the lens (cycloplegia).
Tropicamide is an [[antimuscarinic]] agent that works by blocking the muscarinic receptors in the eye, leading to relaxation of the sphincter muscle of the iris and the ciliary muscle. This results in pupil dilation and loss of accommodation. The effects of tropicamide are relatively short-lived compared to other mydriatic agents, making it suitable for diagnostic purposes.


==Uses==
===Chemical Structure===
Tropicamide is primarily used in ophthalmology for diagnostic purposes. It allows for a more thorough examination of the [[retina]] and other internal structures of the eye. It is also used in the treatment of certain [[eye diseases]], such as [[iritis]] and [[uveitis]], to prevent painful spasms of the ciliary muscle.
[[File:(R)-Tropicamid_Structural_Formula_V1.svg|(R)-Tropicamide structural formula|thumb|left]]
[[File:(S)-Tropicamid_Structural_Formula_V1.svg|(S)-Tropicamide structural formula|thumb|right]]
Tropicamide is a synthetic compound with the chemical formula C17H20N2O2. It exists as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, (R)-tropicamide and (S)-tropicamide, each with distinct structural formulas.


==Side Effects==
==Clinical Use==
Common side effects of tropicamide include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a temporary increase in [[intraocular pressure]]. Rare but serious side effects can include [[allergic reactions]], [[hallucinations]], and [[psychosis]].
Tropicamide is administered in the form of eye drops. It is typically used in concentrations of 0.5% or 1% for diagnostic purposes. The onset of action is rapid, with pupil dilation occurring within 15 to 30 minutes after administration. The effects generally last for 4 to 8 hours, although this can vary among individuals.


==Contraindications==
===Indications===
Tropicamide is contraindicated in individuals with [[glaucoma]] or a predisposition to glaucoma, as it can increase intraocular pressure and exacerbate the condition. It should also be used with caution in individuals with [[heart disease]] or [[prostate problems]], as it can have systemic effects.
Tropicamide is indicated for:
* Facilitating [[fundoscopy]] and other ophthalmic examinations.
* Preoperative and postoperative management in certain eye surgeries.


==History==
===Side Effects===
Tropicamide was first synthesized in the 1960s and has since become a standard tool in ophthalmology. It is typically used in a 0.5% or 1% solution, with effects lasting up to several hours.
Common side effects of tropicamide include:
* Transient stinging or burning sensation in the eyes.
* Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
* Blurred vision due to cycloplegia.
 
In rare cases, systemic absorption can lead to anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, flushing, and tachycardia.
 
==Precautions==
Tropicamide should be used with caution in patients with [[narrow-angle glaucoma]] or a predisposition to angle-closure glaucoma, as it can precipitate an acute attack. It is also advised to use caution in pediatric and elderly populations due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects.
 
==Mechanism of Action==
Tropicamide acts as a competitive antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the M4 receptor subtype in the eye. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, tropicamide prevents the constriction of the pupil and the accommodation of the lens, leading to mydriasis and cycloplegia.
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Mydriatic]]
* [[Cycloplegia]]
* [[Antimuscarinic]]
* [[Ophthalmology]]
 
[[File:Anizokoria.JPG|Anisocoria caused by Tropicamide|thumb|left]]


==See Also==
==See Also==
* [[Cyclopentolate]]
* [[Atropine]]
* [[Homatropine]]
* [[Phenylephrine]]
* [[Phenylephrine]]
* [[Atropine]]


[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Anticholinergic drugs]]
[[Category:Antimuscarinic agents]]
{{medicine-stub}}
[[Category:Mydriatics]]
{{pharma-stub}}
{{eye-stub}}

Latest revision as of 10:45, 23 March 2025

A medication used to dilate the pupil and aid in eye examinations


Chemical structure of Tropicamide

Tropicamide is a medication primarily used in ophthalmology to induce mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye). It is commonly used to facilitate eye examinations, particularly for the assessment of the retina and optic nerve.

Pharmacology[edit]

Tropicamide is an antimuscarinic agent that works by blocking the muscarinic receptors in the eye, leading to relaxation of the sphincter muscle of the iris and the ciliary muscle. This results in pupil dilation and loss of accommodation. The effects of tropicamide are relatively short-lived compared to other mydriatic agents, making it suitable for diagnostic purposes.

Chemical Structure[edit]

(R)-Tropicamide structural formula
(S)-Tropicamide structural formula

Tropicamide is a synthetic compound with the chemical formula C17H20N2O2. It exists as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, (R)-tropicamide and (S)-tropicamide, each with distinct structural formulas.

Clinical Use[edit]

Tropicamide is administered in the form of eye drops. It is typically used in concentrations of 0.5% or 1% for diagnostic purposes. The onset of action is rapid, with pupil dilation occurring within 15 to 30 minutes after administration. The effects generally last for 4 to 8 hours, although this can vary among individuals.

Indications[edit]

Tropicamide is indicated for:

  • Facilitating fundoscopy and other ophthalmic examinations.
  • Preoperative and postoperative management in certain eye surgeries.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of tropicamide include:

  • Transient stinging or burning sensation in the eyes.
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Blurred vision due to cycloplegia.

In rare cases, systemic absorption can lead to anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, flushing, and tachycardia.

Precautions[edit]

Tropicamide should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or a predisposition to angle-closure glaucoma, as it can precipitate an acute attack. It is also advised to use caution in pediatric and elderly populations due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Tropicamide acts as a competitive antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the M4 receptor subtype in the eye. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, tropicamide prevents the constriction of the pupil and the accommodation of the lens, leading to mydriasis and cycloplegia.

Related Pages[edit]

Anisocoria caused by Tropicamide

See Also[edit]