What Is Cyclogyl? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you or your child has been told they need Cyclogyl eye drops before an eye exam, you might be wondering what the medication actually is and why it's used. Here's everything you need to know about Cyclogyl (cyclopentolate) in plain language.

What Is Cyclogyl?

Cyclogyl is the brand name for cyclopentolate hydrochloride, a prescription ophthalmic (eye) solution made by Alcon Laboratories. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics or muscarinic antagonists — medications that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at certain nerve receptors in the eye.

In practical terms, Cyclogyl causes the pupil to dilate (widen) and the focusing muscles of the eye to temporarily stop working. This allows eye doctors to examine the interior of the eye more easily and to measure the eye's natural prescription without interference from the focusing muscles.

What Is Cyclogyl Used For?

Cyclogyl has two main FDA-approved uses:

Mydriasis (pupil dilation): Widening the pupil to allow a thorough examination of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels inside the eye.

Cycloplegia (paralysis of accommodation): Temporarily stopping the focusing muscles so the eye's true refractive error can be measured. This is especially important in children, who can mask farsightedness (hyperopia) by constantly flexing their focusing muscles.

It's also sometimes used off-label to treat anterior uveitis — inflammation inside the front of the eye. By dilating the pupil and relaxing the iris, cyclopentolate reduces pain, prevents the iris from sticking to the lens, and allows the eye to rest.

What Dosage Forms Does Cyclogyl Come In?

Cyclogyl (cyclopentolate hydrochloride) is available as a sterile ophthalmic solution (eye drops) in three concentrations:

0.5% — Used for infants and individuals with lighter-colored eyes; available in 15 mL bottles

1% — The most commonly used concentration for adults and children; available in 2 mL, 5 mL, and 15 mL bottles

2% — Used in some cases requiring stronger cycloplegia, particularly in patients with darker irises; available in 2 mL, 5 mL, and 15 mL bottles

The manufacturer is Alcon Laboratories. Generic cyclopentolate hydrochloride is also available from Sandoz and Bausch Health.

What Is the Typical Dosage?

Adults: 1-2 drops of the 1% solution in the eye; may be repeated once in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Children: 1-2 drops of 0.5%, 1%, or 2% solution; may be repeated once in 5 minutes with 0.5% or 1%.

Infants: 1 drop of the 0.5% solution only. Observe for at least 30 minutes. Do not feed for 4 hours after administration.

The drops should be instilled 40-50 minutes before the eye exam procedure. Cycloplegia begins within 25-75 minutes and mydriasis within 30-60 minutes after the drops are placed.

How Is Cyclogyl Given?

Cyclogyl is almost always administered by an eye care professional in the office setting. The provider tilts the patient's head back, pulls the lower eyelid down to create a small pocket, and places the drop(s) directly into the eye. Patients are then asked to close their eyes gently and press a finger against the inner corner of the eye for 2-3 minutes to prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct and being absorbed systemically.

Is Cyclogyl Currently Available?

Cyclopentolate has been in FDA-listed shortage since 2023. While supply has stabilized compared to the worst period, it remains inconsistently available at retail pharmacies. If you need to fill a retail prescription, visit medfinder.com to find out which pharmacies near you have it in stock. You can also read our guide on how to find Cyclogyl in stock near you for more strategies.