Muscarinic receptor antagonist causing mydriasis and cycloplegia. Shorter duration than atropine (24h vs 7–14 days in dogs), making it more suitable for diagnostic fundoscopy when prolonged mydriasis is undesirable.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Anticholinergic / Short-Acting Cycloplegic
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Dosing
Preferred over atropine for diagnostic mydriasis (shorter duration — 24h vs 7–14
Frequency
Once for diagnostic; q8–12h for short-term cycloplegia
Cats respond well
Frequency
Once for diagnostic
Safety
Pupil dilation responseIOP (if glaucoma risk)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic?
Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic anticholinergic / short-acting cycloplegic used in pets. Muscarinic receptor antagonist causing mydriasis and cycloplegia. Shorter duration than atropine (24h vs 7–14 days in dogs), making it more suitable for diagnostic fundoscopy when prolonged mydriasis is undesirable.
›What is Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Preferred over atropine for diagnostic mydriasis (shorter duration — 24h vs 7–14; Cats respond well.
›What is the Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Preferred over atropine for diagnostic mydriasis (shorter duration — 24h vs 7–14: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Once for diagnostic; q8–12h for short-term cycloplegia. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Cats respond well: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Once for diagnostic. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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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