Minims Atropine Sulphate (Atropine Sulfate Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Minims Atropine Sulphate Used For?
Minims Atropine is a specialized eye drop medication that helps doctors examine your eyes more thoroughly.
Primary Uses
Used to temporarily enlarge the pupil of your eye and stop the muscles that change the shape of your lens from moving. This is typically done at the beginning of an eye examination so your doctor can properly examine your eyes.
How It Works
Minims Atropine belongs to a class of medicines called antimuscarinic agents. It works by temporarily dilating (enlarging) your pupil and preventing the muscles that control your lens from moving, giving your doctor a clear view of the inside of your eye.
Good to know: This medicine is specifically developed for use in the eye only and should not be swallowed or injected.
How to Take Minims Atropine Sulphate
Your doctor will normally put the drops in your eyes for you. If your doctor asks you to do it yourself, follow the detailed instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one drop instilled into the eye. Your doctor will tell you exactly how often to use the drops and how many drops to use each time. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Step-by-Step Application
1. Wash your hands well with soap and water. 2. Shake the container. 3. Break the seal. 4. Hold container upside down between thumb and forefinger. 5. Pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch. 6. Tilt your head back and look up. 7. Put the tip close to your lower eyelid without touching your eye. 8. Squeeze gently to release drops into the pouch. 9. Close your eye without blinking or rubbing. 10. Press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 2 minutes. 11. Repeat for other eye if needed. 12. Throw away any leftover drops in the container.
Important: Each single dose unit must be thrown away immediately after use. Do not save unused contents for later.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Blurred vision
- Local irritation, stinging or feeling of something in the eye
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Red, itchy, swollen eyelids or skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Symptoms of narrow angle glaucoma: nausea, sudden severe eye and head pain, blurred or sudden loss of vision, red eyes, halos around lights
- Allergic reaction symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching or hives
- Systemic toxicity symptoms: dry mouth and skin, flushing, fever, rash, thirst, fast heart rate, irritability, hyperactivity, poor balance, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations, delirium
Important Warnings
There are certain situations where you should not use Minims Atropine, and others where you need to be extra careful.
Who Should Not Take Minims Atropine Sulphate
Do not use if you are allergic to atropine or any ingredients in the medicine. Do not use if you have or suspect you have angle closure glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), as atropine can increase eye pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; glaucoma (high pressure in the eye); Down’s syndrome or albinism; keratoconus (thin, cone-shaped cornea); synechiae (abnormal sticking between iris and lens); or if you are in hot weather or room temperature, or are aged 65 years or older.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
Children: Children may be more likely to experience side effects. Not recommended for infants under 3 months old.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Minims Atropine works or may be affected by it.
Tell your doctor: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription.
- Medicines to treat glaucoma
- Anticholinergic drugs (used for asthma, COPD, stomach problems, incontinence, depression, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, mental illness)
- Medicines used to treat muscle weakness
- Potassium citrate and potassium supplements
- Medicines to treat vomiting and nausea
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful about driving or using machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Minims Atropine may cause blurred vision for a short time when put into your eye. Make sure you have clear vision before driving or using any machines or tools. Allow enough time for your vision to return to normal.
Storage
Keep unopened eye drops in the refrigerator at 2-8°C where children cannot reach them. Do not freeze the drops or expose them to strong light. Throw away each single dose unit immediately after use – do not save any leftover solution.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Minims Atropine, you may need urgent medical attention. Accidental swallowing is unlikely to cause bad side effects due to the low atropine content. However, if you or anyone else may have swallowed the drops or used too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works quickly to dilate your pupils, typically within minutes of application. The effects are temporary and used specifically for eye examinations.
You should not drive immediately after using the drops as they may cause blurred vision for a short time. Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or using machinery.
If you have irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tears, or light sensitivity, flush your treated eye(s) with lots of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the drops and contact your doctor.
Remove your contact lenses before putting in the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
Children may be more likely to experience side effects from atropine. The medicine is not recommended for infants under 3 months old. Always check with your doctor before using in children.
Accidental swallowing is unlikely to cause bad side effects due to the low atropine content, but you should still contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the hospital emergency department for advice.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.