Cyclopentolat

Cyclopentolat is a term that may be used to refer to cyclopentolate, a synthetic antimuscarinic ophthalmic agent used to dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyze accommodation during eye examination or surgery.

Pharmacology: It is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1–M5) in the iris sphincter muscle and ciliary body. The blockade prevents constriction and accommodation, producing mydriasis and cycloplegia. It is typically formulated as cyclopentolate hydrochloride in 0.5% or 1% ophthalmic solutions.

Clinical use: Administered as eye drops prior to fundoscopy or refraction; onset is usually 30–60 minutes; duration up to about 24 hours, longer in some individuals. Compared with atropine, cyclopentolate has a shorter duration and is commonly preferred when less prolonged cycloplegia is adequate. It may be used alone or with tropicamide.

Safety and side effects: Local adverse effects include eye irritation, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Systemic anticholinergic effects are rare but can include dry mouth, flushing, tachycardia, confusion, or delirium, particularly in children or older adults. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to cyclopentolate and narrow-angle glaucoma. Use with caution in young children, the elderly, pregnant or lactating individuals, and patients with urinary retention or hepatic impairment.

Nomenclature: The exact term cyclopentolat is not standard in pharmacopoeias; if encountered, it is often a misspelling or regional variant of cyclopentolate. See also other ophthalmic mydriatics such as tropicamide and atropine.