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Cyclopentolate Coupon - Cyclopentolate 2ml of 1% eye dropper

cyclopentolate

Generic Cyclogyl
Used for Pupil Dilation
Used for Pupil Dilation

Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is an anticholinergic ophthalmic solution (eye drop). It's placed directly into the eyes to dilate pupils (mydriasis) and paralyze the eye muscles (cycloplegia) in preparation for an eye exam or procedure. Side effects of this medication include a burning sensation and light sensitivity. It usually takes about 24 hours for the effects of cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) to fade.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 14, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)?

What is Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) used for?

  • Pupil dilation (mydriasis) and paralysis of the eye muscle (cycloplegia)

How Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) works

Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is an anticholinergic medication. When placed in the eyes, it causes the pupils to dilate (widen) and the eye muscles to relax in preparation for an eye exam.

Are you looking for information on Cyclomydril (cyclopentolate / phenylephrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCyclogyl
Drug ClassAnticholinergic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$21.86(save 62.43%)
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$8.21
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What are the side effects of Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning sensation in the eye(s)
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye irritation
  • Sensitivity to light

Other Side Effects

  • Eye or eyelid redness
  • Behavior changes in children

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling in the face, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

confusion

constipation, full feeling, passing gas, or stomach cramps or pain

fast or irregular heartbeat

convulsions (seizures)

fever

flushing or redness of face

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

passing urine less often

skin rash

slurred speech

swollen stomach (in infants)

thirst or dryness of mouth

unusual behavior, such as disorientation to time or place, failure to recognize people, hyperactivity, or restlessness, especially in children

unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Blurred vision

burning of eye

eye irritation not present before therapy

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

thumbs-up

Pros

Starts to work within 5 to 10 minutes

Usually only need 1 or 2 drops for it to work

Can be used in children of all ages

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Can make your eyes sensitive to light

Can make your vision blurry, so not safe to drive

Not safe to drive after applying eye drops

Might take 24 hours (sometimes longer) for your eye to recover from the effects of cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

pharmacist

  • Let your optometrist know if you wear contacts. If you wear contact lenses, you'll need to remove them before receiving cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) drops in your eye(s). Check with your optometrist or ophthalmologist on when you can reinsert the contact lenses.

    • Your eyes might be more sensitive to light while your pupils are dilated and you might experience changes in vision. It's important that you protect your eyes from light as much as possible until the medication's effects wear off. Don't drive until the effects of the medication have completely worn off.

      • Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can affect how well babies tolerate feeding. It's recommended to not feed them for 4 hours after a dose.

        More tips if you're using cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) at home:

        • Your optometrist or ophthalmologist might ask you to use cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) at home before your appointment to shorten wait time at the office. If so, then make sure you have a caregiver who can drive you to the appointment. Your eyes will be more sensitive to light after the eye drops, so it's not safe for you to drive.

          • Wash your hands before and after using cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl). To avoid spreading germs into the medication, don't touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye, eyelids, or ear.

            • To use cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl), tilt your head backward and look up. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket and squeeze one drop of medication into this pocket.

              • Don't blink or wipe your eyes after applying cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl). Close your eyes while pressing a finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 2 to 3 minutes to help keep the medication in your eye. If you need to take more than one drop, wait a few minutes in between each drop.

                • If you're using cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) at the same time as other eye drop medications, wait 5 minutes between each medication to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.

                  • Keep the bottle at room temperature for the drug to work properly. Do not put it in the fridge or freezer.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

                    What is cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) used for?
                    Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is used during an eye exam or eye procedure to help relax and dilate or widen the pupil. This allows an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a better look at your eyes to help them find any potential eye issues.
                    How long does cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) take to work?
                    It takes about a few minutes for cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) to start working and up to 75 minutes for the maximum effect after a dose. Because of this, sometimes your eye specialist might prescribe cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) for you to use at home before coming in for your appointment to lessen the wait time at their office. If so, make sure you have a caregiver who can drive you to the appointment. This is because cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can cause blurry vision or light sensitivity, and it won't be safe for you to drive afterwards.
                    How long does cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) last?
                    The effects of cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can last for 6 to 24 hours until there's complete recovery. Rarely, it can take a few days before your pupils are no longer dilated. Bring a pair of sunglasses with you to wear after your eye appointment because your eyes will be sensitive to light.
                    What are common side effects of cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)?
                    Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can cause your vision to be blurry and uncomfortable for a while. It can also make your eyes very sensitive to sunlight, so you should protect your eyes with sunglasses if you are going to be outdoors. Finally, you should avoid driving or doing activities that might put you in danger while your eyes recover. Your vision should recover 24 hours after a dose, but sometimes it can take longer.
                    Is cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) similar to atropine?
                    Yes, both cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) and atropine (Isopto Atropine) are both anticholinergic eye drop medications that are used to dilate pupils for an eye exam or procedure. But atropine (Isopto Atropine) eye drops can also be used to treat a lazy eye. Additionally, atropine (Isopto Atropine) comes as drops and an ointment, whereas cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) only comes as drops.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)?

                    Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    For use in the eye only

                    Only use cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) drops on the surface of the eyes. It shouldn't ever be injected into the eyes or given any other way in the body. Contact your eye specialist or pharmacist if you're not sure how to use cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) correctly.

                    risk-warning

                    Caution use of higher strength in infants and children

                    • Risk factors: Using the 2% strength of cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

                      Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) may cause mood and behavioral changes in babies and young children, especially if the 2% strength of the medication is used. These changes can include impaired balance and coordination, confusion, hallucinations, and restlessness. Watch children closely for at least 30 minutes after applying cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl). Don't feed infants for 4 hours after using cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) because of possible feeding problems, like upset stomach and diarrhea.

                      risk-warning

                      Temporary rise in eye pressure

                      • Risk factors: History of untreated narrow-angle glaucoma | Taking medications to lower eye pressure

                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) can temporarily raise the pressure in your eye after administration. If you have glaucoma, talk to your eye specialist before using cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) to see if the medication is safe for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)

                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride. This preservative can get absorbed into soft contact lenses and damage them. Your eye specialist will advise you to remove all contact lenses during the procedure. Ask them when it's safe for you to wear contact lenses again.

                        dosage

                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2ml of 1% of Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) is $8.21 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 62.43% off the average retail price of $21.86.
                        eye dropper
                        Eye dropper
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        15ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$25.73$25.73
                        2ml of 1%1 eye dropper$8.21$8.21
                        15ml of 1%1 eye dropper$22.39$22.39
                        2ml of 2%1 eye dropper$9.62$9.62
                        5ml of 2%1 eye dropper$17.31$17.31
                        15ml of 2%1 eye dropper$26.76$26.76

                        Typical dosing for Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)

                        • Adults: The typical dose is 1 or 2 drops of the 0.5%, 1%, or 2% strength in the eye(s). Your eye specialist can repeat the dose in 5 to 10 minutes, if necessary.

                        • Children: The typical dose is 1 or 2 drops of the 0.5%, 1%, or 2% strength in the eye(s). If using the 0.5% or 1% strength, your eye specialist can reapply the drops after 5 to 10 minutes, if necessary.

                        • Small infants: The typical dose is 1 drop of the 0.5% strength in the eye(s). But infants with dark-colored eyes might require a higher strength. It's generally not recommended to repeat the dose.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) and other drugs

                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                        How much does Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) cost?

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                        Cyclogyl (brand)
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                        $8.21

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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)
                        Used for:

                        • Pupil dilation (mydriasis) and paralysis of the eye muscle (cycloplegia)

                        $8.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Tropicamide (Mydriacyl)
                        Used for:

                        • Dilate pupils for diagnostic procedures

                        $13.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Cyclomydril (cyclopentolate / phenylephrine)
                        Used for:

                        • Pupil dilation

                        $46.81 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) images

                        This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                        This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                        This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Akorn. (2024). Cyclopentolate hydrochloride- cyclopentolate hydrochloride solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Chapman, J. M., et al. (1990). Interactions of benzalkonium chloride with soft and hard contact lenses. Archives of Ophthalmology.

                        Laojaroenwanit, S., et al. (2016). Time of maximum cycloplegia after instillation of cyclopentolate 1% in children with brown irises. Clinical Ophthalmology.

                        View All References (1)

                        National Eye Institute. (2021). How to put in eye drops.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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