What class of drugs dilates the pupil?

Mydriatics are a specific class of drugs that are designed to dilate the pupil, a process known as mydriasis. These medications are commonly used in various medical settings, particularly during eye examinations to allow doctors to get a better view of the interior structures of the eye. By causing the muscles that constrict the pupil to relax, mydriatics facilitate a wider opening of the pupil, which is essential for diagnosing conditions affecting the retina and other parts of the eye.

In contrast, miotics are drugs that constrict the pupil, antihistamines primarily address allergic reactions and do not have a direct effect on pupil size, and beta-blockers are mainly used to manage cardiovascular conditions and can also have ocular applications but do not generally influence pupil dilation. Thus, mydriatics are the correct choice for dilating the pupil.