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Cyclopentolate

Prescription
Mydriatic / Cycloplegic (anticholinergic)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

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)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Cycloplegic refraction, uveitis management, diagnostic mydriasis
Dose
1–2 drops per eye
Route
topical ophthalmic
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
🐈

Cat

Diagnostic mydriasis, uveitis
Dose
1 drops per eye
Route
topical ophthalmic
Frequency
BID to TID for therapeutic use
Max dose
1 drops/dose; 3 drops/day
Duration: Effect lasts 6–24 hours
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

🧴

Ophthalmic solution — 1

Strength
1%
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
    Risk of acute angle closure crisis

Use with caution

  • Known atropine sensitivity
    Cross-sensitivity may occur among anticholinergics

Adverse effects

Common
Transient stinging
Photophobia
Blurred vision
Serious
Acute glaucoma
Systemic anticholinergic effects (tachycardia, dry mouth) if excessive dosing

Monitoring parameters

Intraocular pressurePupil responseSigns of systemic anticholinergic effects
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

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Cyclogyl
Alcon

India

Cyclopentolate Eye Drops
Sun Pharma
Cyclomid
FDC

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.
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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Mydriatic / Cycloplegic).

Tropicamide
Rx
Short-acting muscarinic antagonist that blocks acetylcholine at the iris sphincter muscle (causing mydriasis) and ciliary body (causing cycloplegia), facilitating fundoscopic examination
dogcat
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