Mydriatic (pupil-dilating agent)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination eye drop containing two medicines: tropicamide and phenylephrine, that work together to widen (dilate) the pupil of your eye. Tropicamide relaxes the muscles inside your eye while phenylephrine tightens the blood vessels and muscles around the iris to open up the pupil.
Blocks muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the ciliary muscle and iris sphincter (tropicamide), while activating α1-adrenergic receptors on the dilator pupillae muscle (phenylephrine), producing mydriasis and cycloplegia for ophthalmic examination and procedures. The combined anticholinergic and sympathomimetic effects provide sustained pupil dilation and accommodation paralysis.
Eye examination preparation, dilating the pupil before eye surgery, diagnosing eye conditions, treating some types of eye inflammation (uveitis)
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since this eye drop is usually given as a one-time dose in a clinic before an eye exam or procedure, missed doses are not typically an issue. If your doctor asks you to use it at home and you forget, apply it as soon as you remember, but do not double the dose.
Only use this eye drop as directed by a qualified eye doctor; do not buy and use it on your own from a pharmacy or market. Your vision will be blurry for several hours after use, so do not drive, ride okada, or operate machinery until your eyesight returns to normal. Make sure you buy from a reputable pharmacy: check the NAFDAC number on the pack to ensure it is genuine.
If you are taking blood pressure medication, this eye drop may affect how well your BP drugs work, so inform your doctor. Do not use with other eye drops unless your doctor says so, and wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops. People taking certain antidepressant medicines (like MAO inhibitors) should not use this without telling their doctor as it can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Tropicamide; with your other drugs?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use this eye drop if a doctor specifically prescribes it, as the medicines can be absorbed into the body and may affect the baby.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, which is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and store away from children. Do not use the drops if the solution looks cloudy or has changed color. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening.
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.