Anticholinergic (Mydriatic, eye pupil dilator)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Cyclopentolate hydrochloride is an eye drop that temporarily relaxes the muscles in your eye, causing your pupil (the black part of your eye) to widen and stopping your eye from focusing. It works by blocking certain nerve signals in the eye.
Blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the iris sphincter muscle, preventing parasympathetic-mediated pupil constriction and causing mydriasis (pupil dilation). Also relaxes the ciliary muscle, producing cycloplegia to enable accurate refraction during eye examination and reduce accommodation-induced eye pain.
Eye examination preparation (to widen the pupil so the doctor can see inside your eye), eye pain and inflammation after eye surgery or eye injury
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since this drug is usually given by a doctor during an eye examination or procedure, missed doses are not common. If your doctor prescribed it for home use, apply the missed drop as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal.
Your vision will be blurry for several hours after using this drop, so do not drive, ride okada, or operate machines until your sight returns to normal. Only use eye drops prescribed or given by a qualified eye doctor, and do not buy eye drops from roadside sellers or markets as they may be fake or contaminated. If you notice your child behaving strangely or having a fast heartbeat after using this drop, rush to the nearest hospital immediately.
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each one. Tell your doctor if you are taking medications for mental health conditions like antidepressants, as they may increase the effects of cyclopentolate. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or blurry vision, so avoid it on the day you use this drug.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Cyclopentolate with your other drugs?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use cyclopentolate if a doctor specifically prescribes it, as the drug can be absorbed into the body and may affect the baby.
Store the eye drops at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not leave it on a windowsill or in a hot car. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from children. In Nigeria's hot climate, storing it in a cool, dry place like a cupboard is ideal. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.