Cyclopentolate + Dexamethasone Combination

This is a mydriatic + corticosteroid combination eye medication. It is used when the eye needs both pupil dilation (for healing or examination) and inflammation control.

Components and Their Roles

1. Cyclopentolate

   • Type: Anticholinergic (mydriatic and cycloplegic)

   • Action: Temporarily dilates the pupil and paralyzes the ciliary muscle of the eye (which controls focusing).

   • Purpose:

     • Prevents painful muscle spasms inside the eye

     • Helps keep the pupil dilated so the iris doesn’t stick to the lens during inflammation

     • Makes eye exams and certain procedures easier

2. Dexamethasone

   • Type: Corticosteroid

   • Action: Reduces swelling, redness, and irritation.

   • Purpose:

     • Controls inflammation from uveitis, iritis, or post-surgery

     • Reduces pain and tissue damage

Common Uses

• Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)

• Iritis (inflammation of the iris)

• After certain eye surgeries or injuries to prevent scarring and control pain

• Situations where the eye needs to be kept dilated for healing

Advantages

• Treats both inflammation and muscle spasm pain with one medication

• Prevents complications like posterior synechiae (iris sticking to the lens)

• Improves patient comfort during healing

Possible Side Effects

From Cyclopentolate:

• Temporary blurred vision

• Light sensitivity (because of dilated pupils)

• Rarely, systemic effects like dry mouth, flushing, confusion (mostly in children if absorbed too much)

From Dexamethasone:

• Risk of increased eye pressure with long-term use (possible glaucoma)

• Delayed wound healing

• May worsen viral or fungal eye infections if used inappropriately

Precautions

• Use exactly as prescribed — overuse of steroid can raise eye pressure or cause cataracts.

• Wear sunglasses to protect from bright light while pupils are dilated.

• Keep out of reach of children (cyclopentolate can cause systemic effects if swallowed).

• Do not use if you have untreated viral or fungal eye infections.