Atropine eye drops in the cat: salivation after use
6-year-old cat with anterior uveitis given one drop of 1% atropine eye drops. Within a few minutes it starts salivating heavily, foaming at the mouth, although it is alert and has no other signs.
What is the most likely cause of the salivation?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Severe systemic anticholinergic toxicity
Anticholinergics dry the mouth rather than increasing saliva, and a single drop does not cause systemic toxicity in an adult cat.
B. Anaphylactic reaction to the eye drops
There are no signs of anaphylaxis (vomiting, collapse, hypotension, respiratory distress); the cat is alert and stable.
C. The very bitter taste of atropine, which reaches the mouth through the nasolacrimal duct
Correct. It is a benign, transient reaction. It can be reduced by using atropine ointment, which drains less into the nose and mouth.
D. Concurrent organophosphate poisoning
The temporal link with the drops and the absence of miosis, tremors or diarrhoea make a concurrent poisoning unnecessary to consider.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Topical atropine dilates the pupil and relaxes the ciliary muscle, relieving uveitic pain and reducing synechia formation. Avoid it in glaucoma or predisposed eyes and in anterior lens luxation, and remember that it reduces tear production: monitor Schirmer in prolonged treatments.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.