This medication is used before eye examinations (such as
refraction), before and after certain eye surgeries, and to treat certain
eye conditions (such as uveitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as
anticholinergics. Homatropine hydrobromide works by widening (dilating) the
pupil of the eye.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily (up to every 3 to 4
hours).
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for
1-2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and
apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication
from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these
steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1
drop.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use. Do not use the solution if it turns brown or cloudy or if it
contains particles.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5-10 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
If you are using this medication on a regular schedule,
use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you
remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using it for the full
time prescribed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or
temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- extreme thirst
- unusual dry mouth
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using homatropine hydrobromide, tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (such
as atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- other eye conditions (such as keratoconus)
- Down syndrome
- brain damage or spastic paralysis (in children)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to
light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when
outdoors.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug.
Infants or small children may be more sensitive to the
side effects of this drug. Do not allow this medication to get into the
child's mouth. Remember to wash your hands after each use.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred
vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (such as
hallucinations), loss of coordination.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are using this drug on a regular schedule and
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do
not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light. Do not
freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.