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Atropine Ophthalmic

Prescription
Ophthalmic Anticholinergic / Mydriatic-Cycloplegic
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Competitively blocks muscarinic receptors in iris sphincter (causing mydriasis) and ciliary body (causing cycloplegia). Also stabilizes the blood-aqueous barrier, reducing protein leakage in uveitis. Longest-acting mydriatic (7–14 days in dogs).

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic Anticholinergic / Mydriatic-Cycloplegic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

First-line cycloplegic for anterior uveitis (reduces ciliary spasm pain, prevent
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q8–12h (uveitis); once (diagnostic)
🐈

Cat

Used for feline uveitis
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q12–24h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

IOP (rule out glaucoma before use)Pupillary responseSynechiae formation (uveitis)Schirmer tear test in KCS-prone patients
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Pilocarpine
moderate
Direct pharmacological antagonism: atropine (muscarinic antagonist) blocks pilocarpine (muscarinic agonist). Each negates the other's effect.
Management: Do not use concurrently in same eye. Allow atropine to wear off (7-14 days dogs) before switching to pilocarpine.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

Other markets

Atropine Ophthalmic Solution
Isopto Atropine
Alcon

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Atropine Ophthalmic?
Atropine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic anticholinergic / mydriatic-cycloplegic used in pets. Competitively blocks muscarinic receptors in iris sphincter (causing mydriasis) and ciliary body (causing cycloplegia). Also stabilizes the blood-aqueous barrier, reducing protein leakage in uveitis. Longest-acting mydriatic (7–14 days in dogs).
What is Atropine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Atropine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: First-line cycloplegic for anterior uveitis (reduces ciliary spasm pain, prevent; Used for feline uveitis.
What is the Atropine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Atropine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — First-line cycloplegic for anterior uveitis (reduces ciliary spasm pain, prevent: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q8–12h (uveitis); once (diagnostic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Atropine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Atropine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline uveitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Atropine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Atropine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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