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Homatropine - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Homatropine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is homatropine?

Homatropine is an anticholinergic agent specifically used to treat eye disorders such as uveitis. It belongs to a class of drugs that act antagonistically against the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors that cause pupil dilation and lower the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Therefore, it is used for the treatment of uveitis or during eye examinations (like refraction) before and after any surgical intervention. It is usually formulated as eye drops.

What are the uses of homatropine?

The uses of homatropine are as follows: 

  • Examination of the eyes: By causing the relaxation of iris muscles in the eye, it helps to dilate the pupils and lower the pressure inside the eye. It should be administered by a healthcare expert. 
  • Treatment of uveitis: The middle layer of the inner eyewall is called the uvea, and inflammation of this layer is called uveitis. The symptoms of uveitis are pain, vision impairment, redness, and swelling. Homatropine helps in relieving these symptoms and improving eye health. 
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What are the side effects of homatropine?

Minor side effects associated with homatropine are as follows:

  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Eye redness or irritation
  • Temporary blurring of vision 

Serious but rare side effects associated with homatropine are as follows:

  • Persistent mood swings, confusion, or agitation
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Allergic reactions such as itching, rashes or swelling (especially in the face/tongue/throat), dizziness or breathlessness

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Homatropine

1. Is homatropine harmful?

Misuse or overdose of homatropine is harmful because it can damage health, cause addiction and even death. Taking homatropine along with alcohol or any other drug can be fatal because it can cause drowsiness or lower the breathing rate.

2. How do you take homatropine?

You can use homatropine as an eye drop by following these steps:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Remove your glasses or contact lenses (if applicable).
  3. Tilt your head back on the backside and look upward.
  4. Pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
  5. Place a drop in the pouch.
  6. Look downwards and close your eyes gently for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Place a finger at the medial corner of your eye and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Do not blink or rub the eye after applying.

3. Does homatropine affect near vision?

Homatropine blurs the vision temporarily but not permanently. However, if you experience prolonged blurring of vision, then contact your eye specialist immediately. Make sure your eyesight is perfect and the blurring of vision is over before driving or using any machinery.

4. Is homatropine addictive?

Yes, this medicine may cause addiction in high dosages with long-term usage. Therefore, you must take this medication only as per the prescription given by your healthcare expert to avoid the risk of addiction.

5. Is homatropine a cycloplegic?

Cycloplegic drugs are those drugs that are used for pupil dilation. Yes, homatropine is a potent cycloplegic medicine given before or after surgical intervention to dilate the pupils.

6. How much homatropine can you take?

  • Dose for refraction (adult): 1 to 2 drops once; repeat after 5 to 10 minutes if required.
  • Dose for uveitis (adult): 1 to 2 drops up to every 3 to 4 hours.
  • Dose for refraction (children above 3 months): 1 to 2 drops once; repeat after 5 to 10 minutes if required.
  • Dose for uveitis (children above 3 months): 1 to 2 drops up to every 3 to 4 hours.

7. Does homatropine cause a burning sensation in the eyes?

Yes, homatropine can cause a burning sensation if used in high concentration or if your eyes are sensitive to the medication. So, it is advised to take this medication as per the doctor's prescription. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptom.

8. How long does homatropine need to be taken?

  • For eye examination: It is administered once or twice at the time of need only.
  • For uveitis: It is used after every 3 to 4 hours until the condition subsides or until the medication is advised.

9. Is homatropine an antispasmodic?

Yes, homatropine is an antispasmodic agent. This is because it helps to relax the muscles by acting antagonistically against the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

10. Does Homatropine treat all eye infections?

No, this medicine does not treat all eye infections. It lowers the pressure inside the eye, dilates the pupil, and reduces inflammation in the eye and its supporting structures. Get a medical opinion for an appropriate and accurate understanding of this medicine at Yashoda Hospitals.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.