Tropicamide

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Tropicamide
Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-ethyl-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-N- (pyridin-4-ylmethyl) propanamide
Identifiers
CAS number	1508-75-4
ATC code	S01FA06
PubChem	5593
DrugBank	APRD00287
Chemical data
Formula	C17H20N2O2
Mol. mass	284.353 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	45%
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?

Tropicamide (troe-PIK-a-mide) is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor blocker. It is used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye in order to allow better examination of the lens, vitreous humor, and retina. Due to its relatively short duration of effect (4–8 hours), it is typically used during eye examinations, but may also be used before or after eye surgery.

Application of tropicamide produces short acting mydriasis (dilation) and cycloplegia. Systemic side effects are very rare, although loss of consciousness has been reported in a ten-year-old child after administration of tropicamide eyedrops.^{[citation needed]}

Tropicamide, a parasympatholytic, is occasionally administered in eye drops in combination with p-hydroxyamphetamine (brand name Paremyd), which is a sympathomimetic. The use of drugs stimulating multiple divisions of the autonomic nervous system ensures the dilation the pupil without opposing muscle group firing.

Other brand names include Mydriacyl.

Right eye was instilled by tropicamide, producing anisocoria (unequal pupil size). It is mydriatic (dilated) compared to the left eye.

Right eye half an hour after administration of tropicamide. Note the red retina.

[edit] See also

• Dilated fundus examination

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