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Compare Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Atropine (Isopto Atropine)
    Pilocarpine eye drops
  • Atropine (Isopto Atropine)
    Pilocarpine eye drops

  • Summary of Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Atropine (Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication that's used to dilate or widen the pupil (the black part of your eye). It's also used to treat lazy eye. This medication is an anticholinergic that works to make the pupil bigger. Atropine (Isopto Atropine) comes as eye drops and an eye ointment. The usual dosage is to apply the medication to the eye(s) 1 to 2 times daily. It can be used in people 3 months and up according to the eye specialist's instructions. Side effects include temporary eye pain, stinging, eye sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Atropine (Isopto Atropine) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Cholinergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Generic pilocarpine eye drops, formerly known by the brand name Isopto Carpine, are used to treat and prevent high eye pressure. They're also used to shrink the pupil (the black part of your eye), typically before certain eye procedures. This medication belongs to the drug class called cholinergic agonists. The usual dosage is 1 drop in the eye(s) up to 4 times a day. Side effects can include headache, temporary blurry vision, and eye irritation.

  • Indications of Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Indications for
    •Pupil dilation (e.g., for eye exams) - eye drops and eye ointment
    •Temporary paralysis of the eye muscle (cycloplegia) - eye drops and eye ointment
    •Treatment for lazy eye - eye drops only
    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye
    •Glaucoma (open-angle or acute angle-closure)
    •Prevention of high eye pressure due to laser eye surgery
    •Shrinking the size of the pupils (miosis)

  • Pros and Cons of Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Eye drops can be used in children 3 months and older
    •Can be used as an alternative to wearing a patch over the stronger eye for treating lazy eye
    Cons
    •Can make your eyes sensitive to light and vision blurry for up to 2 weeks
    •Might raise your blood pressure
    Pros and Const for Cholinergic agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers eye pressure to prevent long-term damage, such as blindness
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating glaucoma long term
    •Sometimes need to use up to 4 times a day
    •Can make it hard to see clearly at night or to focus on objects at different distances, so might not be safe for you to drive after you use the eye drops

  • Common Side Effects of Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye pain
    •Eye stinging
    •Blurry vision
    •Eye sensitivity to light
    •Dry eyes
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects occurring in 5% or more of people:

    •Headache or eyebrow ache
    •Difficulty focusing when looking at objects at different distances
    •Blurry vision
    •Eye irritation
    •Worse vision
    •Eye pain

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who used the 2% strength of pilocarpine eye drops with Betoptic-S (betaxolol) 0.25% eye drops.

  • Warnings of Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Light sensitivity and blurry vision
    •Rise in blood pressure
    •Greater risk of side effects in people with certain medical conditions affecting the nervous system
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worse vision
    •Retinal detachment
    •Not recommended for people with inflamed iris
    •Higher eye pressure in children
    •Don't wear soft contact lenses when you use pilocarpine eye drops

  • Prices with our coupons for Atropine vs. Isopto Carpine

    Learn more about Atropine
    Learn more about Pilocarpine eye drops

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