Tropicamide: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:45, 23 March 2025

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

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]

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.

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-{{Short description|A medication used to dilate the pupil}}
+{{Short description|A medication used to dilate the pupil and aid in eye examinations}}
-{{Drugbox
-| verifiedfields = changed
-| verifiedrevid = 477002123
-| image = Tropicamide.svg
-| width = 200
-}}
-'''Tropicamide''' is a medication primarily used to dilate the pupil for ophthalmic examinations. It is classified as a [[muscarinic receptor antagonist]] and is commonly used in [[optometry]] and [[ophthalmology]].
+[[File:Tropicamide.svg|Chemical structure of Tropicamide|thumb|right]]
-==Medical uses==
+'''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]].
-Tropicamide is used to facilitate the examination of the [[retina]] and other structures in the back of the eye. It is often administered in the form of eye drops. The drug works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the eye that constrict the pupil, allowing for a better view of the internal structures.
-==Mechanism of action==
+==Pharmacology==
-Tropicamide functions as a [[muscarinic antagonist]], specifically blocking the [[muscarinic acetylcholine receptor]]s in the eye. This action inhibits the constriction of the pupil, leading to [[mydriasis]] (dilation of the pupil). The effect is usually temporary, with the pupil returning to its normal size after a few hours.
+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.
-==Side effects==
+===Chemical Structure===
-Common side effects of tropicamide include increased sensitivity to light (due to the dilated pupil) and blurred vision. In rare cases, it can cause an increase in [[intraocular pressure]], which may be a concern for individuals with [[glaucoma]].
+[[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.
-==Pharmacokinetics==
+==Clinical Use==
-Tropicamide is rapidly absorbed into the eye, with effects typically beginning within 15 to 30 minutes after administration. The duration of action is relatively short, usually lasting for 4 to 8 hours.
+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.
-==Chemical structure==
+===Indications===
-Tropicamide is a synthetic compound with the chemical formula C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It is available as a racemic mixture, containing both the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers.
+Tropicamide is indicated for:
+* Facilitating [[fundoscopy]] and other ophthalmic examinations.
+* Preoperative and postoperative management in certain eye surgeries.
-<gallery>
+===Side Effects===
-File:Anizokoria.JPG|Anisocoria induced by tropicamide
+Common side effects of tropicamide include:
-File:(R)-Tropicamid_Structural_Formula_V1.svg|Structural formula of (R)-Tropicamide
+* Transient stinging or burning sensation in the eyes.
-File:(S)-Tropicamid_Structural_Formula_V1.svg|Structural formula of (S)-Tropicamide
+* Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
-</gallery>
+* Blurred vision due to cycloplegia.
-==History==
+In rare cases, systemic absorption can lead to anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, flushing, and tachycardia.
-Tropicamide was first introduced in the mid-20th century and has since become a standard agent for pupil dilation in eye examinations. Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it a preferred choice for many eye care professionals.
-==Related pages==
+==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]]
-* [[Muscarinic antagonist]]
-==References==
+[[File:Anizokoria.JPG|Anisocoria caused by Tropicamide|thumb|left]]
-{{Reflist}}
+==See Also==
+* [[Atropine]]
+* [[Homatropine]]
+* [[Phenylephrine]]
 [[Category:Ophthalmology]]
-[[Category:Muscarinic antagonists]]
+[[Category:Antimuscarinic agents]]
+[[Category:Mydriatics]]