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
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
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).
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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