Hi, yes, Atropine 0.01% is HSA approved and 'licensed' as a prescription only medicine in Singapore.
Atropine itself in other concentrations should be available in most countries around the world, because it is a very important medicine for other conditions. It is used in certain kinds of poisonings (like organophosphate poisoning), slow heart rate, and in the eye for pupil dilation and cycloplegia eg in cases of iritis/uveitis.
In the very low 0.01% concentration, its only use is to slow the progression of myopia. As such, it is possible that in certain countries where rates of progressive myopia are lower, drug companies may not feel it cost effective for them to manufacture and market this formulation of atropine, which compounding pharmacies may also be able to make up relatively easily.
It is important to note that atropine 0.01% remains a prescription only medicine. That means doctors cannot prescribe it for anyone except their own patients whom they have seen and determined that the medicine is necessary. Neither is this medicine available over the counter at pharmacies. Unfortunately, that means that if you live in a country where 0.01% atropine is not commercially available, your doctor will have to get a compounding pharmacy to dilute the atropine to the required concentration.
