Minims® Atropine
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Minims Atropine contains the active ingredient atropine sulfate monohydrate. Minims
Atropine is used to temporarily dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye and to stop
the movement of the muscles that change the shape of the lens. It is usually used
at the beginning of an eye examination so that your doctor can examine your eye(s).
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Minims Atropine? in the full CMI.
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to atropine or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI. Do not use if you have or suspect you have angle closure
glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Minims Atropine? in the full CMI.
Some medicines may interfere with Minims Atropine and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
Your doctor will normally instil the drops into your eyes for you.
The usual dose is one drop instilled into the eye.
If your doctor instructs you to instil the drops, more instructions can be found in
Section 4. How do I use Minims Atropine? in the full CMI.
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Things you should do
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If you have any irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tear production or light-sensitivity
while using the eye drops, flush the treated eye(s) with lots of water (room temperature)
for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the eye drops and contact your doctor.
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Things you should not do
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Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if you think they have the same condition
as you.
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Minims
Atropine affects you. It may cause blurred vision for a short time when it is instilled
into the eye. Allow enough time to regain clear vision before driving or using machines.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep the unopened eye drops in a refrigerator (2-8°C) where children cannot reach
them. Do not freeze the eye drops or expose them to strong light.
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Minims Atropine? in the full CMI.
All medicines can have side effects. If they do occur, they are usually minor and
temporary. Do not be alarmed by this list. You may not experience any of them.
Side effects rarely occur when atropine is used in the eye. Serious side effects that
require urgent medical attention include: symptoms of narrow angle glaucoma, symptoms
of an allergic reaction and signs that something harmful is affecting your whole body,
like feeling really sick, weak, confused, having a fast heartbeat, or trouble breathing
(symptoms of systemic toxicity).
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Minims® Atropine
Active ingredient:
Atropine sulfate monohydrate
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Minims Atropine. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Minims Atropine.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
Minims Atropine contains the active ingredient atropine sulfate monohydrate. Minims Atropine belongs to a class of medicines called antimuscarinic agents.
Minims Atropine is used to temporarily dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye and to
stop the movement of the muscles that change the shape of the lens. It is usually used at the beginning of an eye examination so that your doctor can
examine your eye(s).
Do not use Minims Atropine if:
You are allergic to atropine, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
You have or suspect you have angle closure glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). Atropine
can increase the pressure in the eye.
Check with your doctor if:
You have had an allergy to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
You have any other medical conditions, especially:
glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)
Down's syndrome or albinism (a condition where there is no or very little colour in
the hair, skin and eyes)
keratoconus (a condition where the clear surface on the front of the eye [cornea]
becomes thin and cone shaped)
synechiae (abnormal sticking) between the iris and lens
The weather or room temperature is hot.
You are aged 65 years or older.
You take any medicines for any other condition.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
This medicine has been developed for use in the eye only. It should not be swallowed
or injected.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Children
Check with your doctor before using Minims Atropine in children. Children may be more
likely to experience side effects to atropine.
Minims Atropine is not recommended in infants aged less than 3 months.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Minims Atropine may interfere with each other. These medicines
may be affected by Minims Atropine or may affect how well it works. These include:
Medicines to treat glaucoma
A class of medicines called anticholinergic drugs which are commonly used to treat
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stomach and gut problems, incontinence,
depression, allergies, Parkinson's disease and mental illness.
Medicines used to treat muscle weakness.
Potassium citrate and potassium supplements
Medicines to treat vomiting and nausea.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Minims Atropine.
Your doctor will normally instil the drops into your eyes for you. If your doctor
instructs you to instil the drops, please follow the directions below.
How much to use
Use Minims Atropine only when prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you
how often to use the eye drops and how many drops to use each time.
The usual dose is one drop instilled into the eye.
How to use Minims Atropine
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in your eye.
You may find it easier to put drops in your eye while you are sitting or lying down.
If you are instilling your own drops, then follow these steps to use the eye drops:
1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
2. Shake the container.
3. Break the seal.
4. Hold the container upside down in one hand between your thumb and forefinger.
5. Using your other hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch or pocket.
6. Tilt your head back and look up.
7. Put the tip of the container close to your lower eyelid. Do not let it touch your eye.
8. Release the required number of drops into the pouch or pocket formed between your eye and eyelid by gently squeezing the container.
9. Close your eye. Do not blink or rub your eye.
10. While your eye is closed, place your index finger against the inside corner of your eye and press against your nose for about two minutes. This is very important when administering to children. This will help to stop the medicine from draining through the tear duct to the nose and throat, from where it can be absorbed into other parts of your body.
11. Repeat steps 4-10 for the other eye if needed.
12. Throw away any eye drops left in the container.
13. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.
If you use too much Minims Atropine
If you think that you have used too much Minims Atropine, you may need urgent medical
attention.
Accidental swallowing of the solution is unlikely to cause any bad side effects due
to the low content of atropine.
If you think that you or anyone else may have swallowed Minims Atropine or used too
much Minims Atropine, you should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(in Australia phone 13 11 26), or
(in Australia phone 13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Things you should do
If you have any irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tear production or light-sensitivity
while using the eye drops, flush the treated eye(s) with lots of water (room temperature)
for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the eye drops and contact your doctor.
Things you should not do
Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if you think they have the same condition
as you.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Minims
Atropine affects you.
Minims Atropine generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a
car or use machines. However, it may cause blurred vision for a short time when it
is instilled into the eye. Allow enough time to regain clear vision before driving
or using machines.
Looking after your medicine
Keep the unopened eye drops in a refrigerator (2-8°C) where children cannot reach
them. Do not freeze the eye drops or expose them to strong light.
When to discard your medicine
Discard each single dose unit and any remaining solution in it immediately after use.
Do not save unused contents.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If your doctor tells you to stop using the eye drops or it is out of date, take it
to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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Eyes:
blurred vision
local irritation, stinging or the feeling of having something in the eye
red, itchy or watery eyes
red, itchy, swollen eyelids or skin
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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Symptoms of narrow angle glaucoma, such as:
nausea
sudden severe eye and head pain
blurred or sudden loss of vision
red eyes
halos around lights.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Symptoms of harmful effects throughout the body (systemic toxicity), such as:
dryness of the mouth and skin
flushing
fever
rash
thirst
fast heart rate
irritability
hyperactivity
poor balance or muscle control
confusion
drowsiness
hallucinations
delirium.
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Some side effects (for example, an increase in the pressure of the eye) can only be
found when your doctor or optometrist does tests from time to time.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects online (in Australia, go to www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems ). By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety
of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Minims Atropine contains
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Active ingredient (main ingredient)
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atropine sulfate monohydrate (1% w/v)
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Other ingredients (inactive ingredients)
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Purified water
Hydrochloric acid
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
The eye drops do not contain any preservatives.
