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CAS 1508-75-4 Ophthalmic API (Mydriatic) Ophthalmic API (Mydriatic) High Purity USP Grade EP Grade

Tropicamide

IUPAC: N-ethyl-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)propanamide View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
1508-75-4
MOL. FORMULA
C17H20N2O2
MOL. WEIGHT
284.35 g/mol
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Scientific Overview

Tropicamide blocks muscarinic receptors on the iris sphincter and ciliary muscles, causing relaxation-mediated mydriasis (pupil dilation) and cycloplegia (paralysis of accommodation). Its rapid onset (peak effect within 20--30 minutes) and comparatively short duration of action (mydriasis resolving over ~6--7 hours, cycloplegia over 2--6 hours) distinguish it from longer-acting anticholinergics like atropine, making it preferred for routine diagnostic ophthalmic procedures.

Tropicamide is a synthetic anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent used clinically as an ophthalmic mydriatic and cycloplegic. Marketed as Mydriacyl and as a component of Paremyd, it is the standard diagnostic agent for pupil dilation in eye examinations, functioning by antagonizing M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Tropicamide (Mydriacyl)
CAS Number 1508-75-4
IUPAC Name N-ethyl-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)propanamide
Molecular Formula C17H20N2O2
Molecular Weight 284.35 g/mol g/mol
Reaction Scheme
Tropic Acid (or activated derivative, e.g. N-ethyl-N-(4-picolyl)-atropamide intermediate)
4-(Ethylaminomethyl)pyridine
NA
Tropicamide
NA
Commercial Applications

Ophthalmic Diagnostic Formulations

Active ingredient in eye drop solutions (0.5%, 1%) used for pupil dilation during routine and pre-surgical eye exams.

Combination Mydriatic Products

Component of combination formulations (e.g., Paremyd, paired with hydroxyamphetamine) for enhanced dilation efficacy.

Pharmacopeial Reference Standard

Used as USP/EP reference material for tropicamide drug product quality control and method validation.

Neuroscience & Pharmacology Research

Studied as a selective M4 muscarinic receptor antagonist in receptor pharmacology and behavioral research models.

Market Therapeutic Focus
OPHTHALMIC API (MYDRIATIC) PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTICS ANALYTICAL REFERENCE STANDARDS NEUROPHARMACOLOGY R&D CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Pharmacology of Tropicamide: A Short-Acting Mydriatic Agent

Authors: Brittain, R.T. et al.

Br. J. Pharmacol.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1968.tb08461.x

Comparative Effects of Mydriatic Agents on Intraocular Pressure

Authors: Salminen, L.

Acta Ophthalmol.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1990.tb01646.x

Muscarinic Receptor Subtype Selectivity of Ophthalmic Anticholinergics

Authors: Gil, D.W. et al.

Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.

DOI: 10.1167/iovs.06-0501
Peer Queries & FAQs
How does tropicamide differ from atropine as a mydriatic?
Tropicamide has a faster onset and significantly shorter duration of action (hours vs. days for atropine), making it more suitable for routine diagnostic dilation rather than prolonged therapeutic cycloplegia.
What formulations use tropicamide?
Primarily 0.5% and 1% ophthalmic solutions (Mydriacyl), and combination products like Paremyd for enhanced pupil dilation.
What safety considerations apply to tropicamide use?
It can significantly increase intraocular pressure and is contraindicated or used cautiously in patients with (or at risk of) angle-closure glaucoma.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed container at 2--8°C, protected from light.

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