Homatropine eye drops

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Editor's note

Michael Stewart 09/05/2018: There are currently no licensed eye drop products containing homatropine available in the UK. Homatropine eye drops may still be available in other countries. This Medicine Leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes only. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

Homatropine eye drops allow your doctor to examine your eye more easily.

The drops can cause blurred vision which may last for several hours. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines until your vision is clear again.

Type of medicineAn antimuscarinic
Used forTo make the pupil of your eye larger and relax the muscles in your eye
Available asEye drops (discontinued)

Homatropine makes the pupil of your eye larger and relaxes the muscles in your eye. These things make it easier for your eye to be examined and your vision tested.

Homatropine drops can also be prescribed during the treatment of a condition called anterior uveitis. This is a painful eye condition caused by inflammation within the eye. By making your pupil larger and relaxing the muscles in your eye, it reduces pain and allows the inflamed part of your eye to rest and recover.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you use the drops it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops.
  • If you normally wear contact lenses.
  • If you have been told you have a higher than normal pressure in your eye, or if you have glaucoma.
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Homatropine eye drops will generally be administered for you, but if you are asked to put the drops in yourself, then:

  1. Wash your hands well before you use the drops.
  2. Remove the cap.
  3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
  4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
  5. Apply enough pressure to the dropper to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.
  6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
  7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
  • Take care not to touch your eye, fingers or any other surface with the dropper of the bottle. This could infect the liquid left in the bottle.
  • Homatropine will cause blurred vision which may last for some time. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive and before you use tools or machines.
  • If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and may not have the intended effect.
  • If you normally wear contact lenses, do not wear them again until your doctor advises you do so.

Along with their useful effects, eye drops can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with homatropine eye drops. Unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to a new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Homatropine side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Eye irritation such as mild stingingThis should soon pass
Large pupil, blurred vision, difficulty with focusingThese may last for several hours. Do not drive and do not operate machinery until your vision is clear again
Rare side-effects: dry mouth, flushing, dry skin, constipation, difficulties passing urine, and a fast heartbeatThese should soon pass, but if you become concerned about any, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • There is no preservative in homatropine eye drops, so throw away the bottle after use. Never keep opened bottles of eye drops to use later. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.

Never use more than the recommended dose.

If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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