Short-acting muscarinic antagonist that blocks acetylcholine at the iris sphincter muscle (causing mydriasis) and ciliary body (causing cycloplegia), facilitating fundoscopic examination
At a glance
Class
Mydriatic / Cycloplegic (anticholinergic)
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light, discard 4 weeks after opening
Dosing
Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy, uveitis adjunct
Frequency
Repeat in 15 min if needed; effect lasts 4–8 hours
Max dose
2 drops/dose; 6 drops/day
Duration: Single application for diagnostics; BID–TID for uveitis
Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy
Frequency
Single application; repeat in 15 min if needed
Max dose
1 drops/dose; 4 drops/day
Duration: Single application for diagnostics
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 →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Transient stinging on application
Photophobia
Increased intraocular pressure
Serious
Acute glaucoma in predisposed eyes
Intraocular pressurePupil responseDuration of mydriasis
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.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Tropicamide?
Tropicamide is a mydriatic / cycloplegic (anticholinergic) used in pets. Short-acting muscarinic antagonist that blocks acetylcholine at the iris sphincter muscle (causing mydriasis) and ciliary body (causing cycloplegia), facilitating fundoscopic examination
›What is Tropicamide used for in pets?
Tropicamide is used in veterinary medicine for: Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy, uveitis adjunct; Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy.
›What is the Tropicamide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tropicamide is typically dosed as follows — Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy, uveitis adjunct: 1–2 drops per eye topical ophthalmic Repeat in 15 min if needed; effect lasts 4–8 hours. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tropicamide dose for cats?
For cats, Tropicamide is typically dosed as follows — Diagnostic mydriasis, fundoscopy: 1 drops per eye topical ophthalmic Single application; repeat in 15 min if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Tropicamide?
Common: Transient stinging on application, Photophobia, Increased intraocular pressure. Serious (call your vet immediately): Acute glaucoma in predisposed eyes.
›Does Tropicamide need a prescription?
Yes. Tropicamide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Tropicamide not be used?
Do not use Tropicamide if: Glaucoma (narrow-angle).
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