Uses
Cyclopentolate hydrochloride is used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia for refraction (e.g., retinal and optic disc examination, measurement of refractive error). Cyclopentolate usually is preferred over atropine for such use because cyclopentolate has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action relative to atropine.
The combination preparation containing cyclopentolate hydrochloride 0.2% and phenylephrine hydrochloride 1% is used to produce pronounced mydriasis with little accompanying cycloplegia for ophthalmologic examination; this combination may be particularly useful for providing maximal mydriasis during examination of patients with retinal detachment. The fixed combination also may be useful in dilation of pupils in young infants for ophthalmologic examinations (e.g., screening for retinopathy of prematurity).