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Drugs A–Z

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Cyclomydril
Taken
Ophthalmic
Label
Alcon Laboratories, Inc., revised May 15, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
FDA-approved (1 company) · details

What it is used for

For the production of mydriasis.

Who should not take it (contraindications)

Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.

Warnings

FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY. NOT FOR INJECTION. There have been reports of serious cardiovascular reactions, including ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions, in patients using higher concentrations of phenylephrine. These episodes, some fatal, have usually occurred in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. This preparation may cause central nervous system (CNS) disturbances. This is especially true in younger age groups, but may occur at any age, especially with the stronger solutions. Infants are especially prone to CNS and cardiopulmonary side effects from cyclopentolate.

Precautions

General Caution should be observed when considering use of this medication in the presence of Down's syndrome due to potential increased sensitivity to anticholinergics. This product should be used with caution in patients at risk for angle closure due to the potential to precipitate acute angle closure. Because of the risk of provoking hyperthermia, use with caution in patients, especially children, who may be exposed to elevated environmental temperatures or who are febrile. The use of phenylephrine in the eye may liberate pigment granules from the iris. Mydriatics may produce a transient elevation of intraocular pressure. Information for Patients Do not touch dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution. Patient should be advised not to drive or engage in hazardous activities while pupils are dilated. Patient may experience sensitivity to light. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility There have been no long-term studies done using cyclopentolate hydrochloride and/or phenylephrine hydrochloride in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential. Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with cyclopentolate hydrochloride and/or phenylephrine hydrochloride. It is also not known whether cyclopentolate hydrochloride and/or phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. CYCLOMYDRIL ® (cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether these drugs are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when CYCLOMYDRIL ® (cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use Use of cyclopentolate has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances in pediatric patients. Increased susceptibility to cyclopentolate has been reported in infants, young children, and in children with spastic paralysis or brain damage. These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place. Feeding intolerance may follow ophthalmic use of this product in infants. It is recommended that feeding be withheld after administration, and to observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes (see PRECAUTIONS ). Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

Ocular The following ocular adverse experiences have been associated with the use of CYCLOMYDRIL ® (cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution): increased intraocular pressure, burning/irritation upon instillation, photophobia, blurred vision and superficial punctate keratitis. Nonocular Use of cyclopentolate hydrochloride has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances in children. These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place. This drug produces reactions similar to those of other adrenergic and anticholinergic drugs; however, the central nervous system manifestations as noted above are most common. Other manifestations of adrenergic and anticholinergic topical ophthalmic drugs include tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, hypertension, vasodilation, urinary retention, diminished gastrointestinal motility, convulsion, bradycardia, apnea, necrotizing colitis and abdominal distention (in newborns and especially premature infants), skin rash, drowsiness, and decreased secretion in salivary and sweat glands, pharynx, bronchi and nasal passages. Severe manifestations of toxicity include coma, medullary paralysis and death. Systemic toxicity can result from topical application of sympathomimetic drugs: headache, blood pressure elevation, extrasystoles, tachycardia, syncope and cerebrovascular accidents have been reported.

Pregnancy

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with cyclopentolate hydrochloride and/or phenylephrine hydrochloride. It is also not known whether cyclopentolate hydrochloride and/or phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. CYCLOMYDRIL ® (cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether these drugs are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when CYCLOMYDRIL ® (cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) is administered to a nursing woman.

Use in children

Use of cyclopentolate has been associated with psychotic reactions and behavioral disturbances in pediatric patients. Increased susceptibility to cyclopentolate has been reported in infants, young children, and in children with spastic paralysis or brain damage. These disturbances include ataxia, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation as to time and place. Feeding intolerance may follow ophthalmic use of this product in infants. It is recommended that feeding be withheld after administration, and to observe infants closely for at least 30 minutes (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Use in older adults

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Is there a generic Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride?

Yes. The FDA has approved generic Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride from 1 company, and the approval is active. The earliest of these was approved in 1975.

An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.

Companies with an approved generic

Alcon Labs Inc

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 8268b70f-3f10-48dd-bb24-baaeb27a1325.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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