Muscarinic receptor antagonist with intermediate duration of action; blocks parasympathetic innervation to iris sphincter and ciliary muscle, producing mydriasis and cycloplegia
At a glance
Class
Mydriatic / Cycloplegic (anticholinergic)
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Cycloplegic refraction, uveitis management, diagnostic mydriasis
Frequency
BID to TID for therapeutic use; single dose for diagnostics
Max dose
2 drops/dose; 6 drops/day
Duration: Effect lasts 6–24 hours
Diagnostic mydriasis, uveitis
Frequency
BID to TID for therapeutic use
Max dose
1 drops/dose; 3 drops/day
Duration: Effect lasts 6–24 hours
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Transient stinging
Photophobia
Blurred vision
Serious
Acute glaucoma
Systemic anticholinergic effects (tachycardia, dry mouth) if excessive dosing
Intraocular pressurePupil responseSigns of systemic anticholinergic effects
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
India
Cyclopentolate Eye Drops
Sun Pharma
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Cyclopentolate?
Cyclopentolate is a mydriatic / cycloplegic (anticholinergic) used in pets. Muscarinic receptor antagonist with intermediate duration of action; blocks parasympathetic innervation to iris sphincter and ciliary muscle, producing mydriasis and cycloplegia
›What is Cyclopentolate used for in pets?
Cyclopentolate is used in veterinary medicine for: Cycloplegic refraction, uveitis management, diagnostic mydriasis; Diagnostic mydriasis, uveitis.
›What is the Cyclopentolate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cyclopentolate is typically dosed as follows — Cycloplegic refraction, uveitis management, diagnostic mydriasis: 1–2 drops per eye topical ophthalmic BID to TID for therapeutic use; single dose for diagnostics. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cyclopentolate dose for cats?
For cats, Cyclopentolate is typically dosed as follows — Diagnostic mydriasis, uveitis: 1 drops per eye topical ophthalmic BID to TID for therapeutic use. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Cyclopentolate?
Common: Transient stinging, Photophobia, Blurred vision. Serious (call your vet immediately): Acute glaucoma, Systemic anticholinergic effects (tachycardia, dry mouth) if excessive dosing.
›Does Cyclopentolate need a prescription?
Yes. Cyclopentolate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Cyclopentolate not be used?
Do not use Cyclopentolate if: Narrow-angle glaucoma.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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