Homatropine

Homatropine (Equipin®, Isopto Homatropine®) is an anticholinergic medication that inhibits muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and thus the parasympathetic nervous system. It is used in eye drops as a cycloplegic, to temporarily paralyze accommodation, and as a mydriatic, to dilate the pupil.

Additional recommended knowledge

Better weighing performance in 6 easy steps

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Homatropine is less potent than atropine and has a shorter duration of action. It is available as the hydrobromide or methylbromide salt.

Drugs like hydrocodone are mixed with small amounts of an anticholinergic such as homatropine methylbromide to discourage abuse.

Homatropine is also given as an atropine substitute given to reverse the muscarinic and CNS effects associated with indirect cholinomimetic (anti-AChase) administation.

Side effects

• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Contraindications

• Untreated glaucoma
• Myasthenia gravis
• Severe heart failure
• Thyrotoxicosis