Sir,
We read with keen interest the letter by Banerjee et al1 titled ‘Routine use of topical cyclopentolate as a predisposing factor to recurrent urinary tract infections in a susceptible adult'. As highlighted, cyclopentolate eyedrops can have serious systemic effects, more so in children. We just wish to highlight that it should be used with caution in children. Some of the methods to decrease the chances of toxicity include avoiding overdosage, punctal occlusion following application, and avoiding high ambient temperature and humidity2. The use of microdrops (5 ml) as compared with normal drops (35 ml) could also reduce the incidence of side effects3. Other options include diluted cyclopentolate or safer drugs such as tropicamide and homatropine (2%).
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
- Banerjee PJ, Elgohary MA, Charteris DG. Routine use of topical cyclopentolate as a predisposing factor to recurrent urinary tract infections in a susceptible adult. Eye. 2013;27:676. doi: 10.1038/eye.2013.29. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Lyndon WJ, Hodes DTT. Possible allergic reactions to cyclopentolate hydrochloride: case reports with literature review of uses and adverse reactions. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 1991;11:16–21. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Gray LG. Avoiding adverse effects of cycloplegics in infants and children. J Am Optom Assoc. 1979;50:465–470. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]