Why does low dose Atropine need a special container?

Mindy Pless, The Compounding Center's Pharmacy Liaison, explains how low dose Atropine eye drops are made for the treatment of childhood myopia. The commercially manufactured drops are diluted down to the dose needed for each child. This means that the preservative in the original product is also diluted, leaving the final preparation virtually preservative free. This may mean less stinging for your young patients, but it also means these drops need to be dispensed in a closed, unit-dose container that is designed for preservative free drops. These special bottles have a patented, one way valve that prevents accidental contamination. Nothing can get in even if the tip is touched. Open bottles are not appropriate for these drops used in children's eyes night after night.