Tachycardia and cardiac symptoms are sometimes observed therefore the product should only be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. tachycardias, heart failure).
Caution should be observed when cyclopentolate is administered to patients with epilepsy, ataxia, dementia, rhinitis sicca, gastrointestinal obstruction, toxic megacolon, myasthenia gravis, and obstructive urinary tract disorders.
Recovery of accommodation occurs within 24 hours (see section 4.7 and 5.1).
Caution is also advised in hyperaemia as increased systemic absorption may occur.
Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops. (This blocks the passage of the drops via the naso lacrimal duct to the wide absorptive area of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. It is especially advisable in children).
Caution is advised in case of open-angle glaucoma. Because of the risk of precipitating angle-closure glaucoma in the elderly and others prone to raised intraocular pressure, an estimate of the depth of the anterior chamber should be made before use, particularly if therapy is likely to be intense or protracted (see section 4.3).
Paediatric population
Extreme caution is advised for use in individuals susceptible to belladonna alkaloids because of the increased risk of systemic toxicity. Atropine-like effects have been reported as side effects. The product should be used with caution in infants under the age of 1 year due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity.
Consider withholding feeding for four (4) hours after examination. Observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes.
Convulsions in children have also been reported in association with the use of cyclopentolate (see section 4.8).
Necrotic colitis in premature children
Particular caution should be observed for use in children because cases of necrotic colitis have been reported following administration of cyclopentolate eye drops in premature babies (see section 4.8). Early symptoms may include, but are not limited to, bradycardia, vomiting, food intolerance, increased stomach residues, abdominal distension, and bloody stools. In such a case, immediate medical evaluation is needed.