The Basics
What is Tropicamide?
Used to dilate the pupil so that doctors can see into the back of your eye.
Brand names for Tropicamide
Paremyd
How Tropicamide is classified
Mydriatics, Muscarinic Antagonists, Parasympatholytics
Tropicamide During Pregnancy
Tropicamide pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Tropicamide while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with PAREMYD® (hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide, tropicamide) . It is also not known whether PAREMYD® (hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide, tropicamide) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capability. PAREMYD® (hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide, tropicamide) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Taking Tropicamide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tropicamide?
No information is available on the use of tropicamide during breastfeeding. Anticholinergic drugs might interfere with breastfeeding. A single dose of ophthalmic tropicamide is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding; however, during long-term use, observe the infant for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain). To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of tropicamide during breastfeeding. Anticholinergic drugs might interfere with breastfeeding. A single dose of ophthalmic tropicamide is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding; however, during long-term use, observe the infant for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain). To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Possible effects of Tropicamide on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[1][2][3][4][5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Tropicamide
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434-42. PMID: 9250502
2. Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901-5. PMID: 7592071
3. Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, Keisler DH. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359-62. PMID: 9159285
4. Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108-11. PMID: 6788407
5. Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnas-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193-4. PMID: 1636447
6. Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53-5. PMID: 6808052
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
