Tropicamide and anaphylaxis

Abstract

A 6-month-old boy was brought to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of our hospital by his parents with the suspicion of esotropia of his left eye. He was able to follow the objects, pupillary light reactions were normal, orthophoric in primary position with corneal light reflex (Hirschberg) test, ductions and versions were normal in all gaze positions. One drop of tropicamide (1%) was instilled in both eyes of the infant for cycloplegic retinoscopy and fundus examinations. After 10 min, anaphylaxis, respiratory and circulatory failure developed. He was immediately examined by the pediatrician, and emergency code was announced. At the 5th min of treatment, he regained consciousness, his respiratory and circulatory symptoms started to improve, and blood pressure returned to normal. In this case report, we aim to point out that tropicamide may rarely lead to life-threatening complications

Allergic Reaction to Tropicamide Eye Drops: A Case Report

“…It blocks the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the iris sphincter muscle and ciliary body, leading to pupil dilation and paralysis of accommodation [4]. While generally considered safe and effective, tropicamide has various adverse effects, including transient stinging or burning sensation upon instillation, conjunctival hyperemia, and blurred vision [5]. Although allergic reactions to tropicamide eye drops are rare, they have been reported in the literature.…”