Systemic toxicity of cyclopentolate hydrochloride in adults following topical ocular instillation

A case reported of a 27-year-old white woman who developed systemic toxicity after the local instillation of one drop of 2% cyclopentolate solution in each eye. The usefulness and toxic reactions of this very valuable drug are discussed. It is recommended that every ophthalmologist should warn not only the parents of the children, but also the adult patients about the possibility of systemic reaction before this drug is used and where possible the lowest concentration of solution be used. It is also suggested that a sufficient amount of injectable physostigmine salicylate be kept handy in the office emergency kit.