Possible allergic reactions to cyclopentolate hydrochloride: case reports with literature review of uses and adverse reactions

Abstract

Cyclopentolate has been widely used as a cycloplegic and mydriatic agent for over 30 years. It has gained widespread use as the cycloplegic drug of first choice for most children over the age of 1 year and allows many optometrists and ophthalmologists to carry out quick, successful cycloplegic refractions with few complications. During this time very few side-effects have been reported with the most commonly used 1% solution. This paper outlines two cases in which a possible allergic-type reaction occurred shortly after the instillation of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride in 'Minims' form (Smith and Nephew). This article also reviews the uses and side-effects of cyclopentolate and aims to warn practitioners about the possibility of such reactions, ways of avoiding their occurrence and suitable measures to take should they occur.