This medication is used alone or with other medications
to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases
(such as ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps
to prevent blindness, vision loss, and nerve damage. This medication may
also be used during certain eye surgeries and to reverse the effects of
drugs used to enlarge the pupil (such as during an eye exam). Pilocarpine
works by causing the pupil of the eye to shrink and decreasing the amount
of fluid within the eye.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your
eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply
gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from
draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps
for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1
drop.
Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue and
wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not rinse
the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other
medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication to treat
glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes, use it regularly in order to get the
most benefit from it. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the
eyes do not have any symptoms. To help you remember, use it at the same
time(s) each day.
Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye,
temporary blurred vision, poor vision in dim light, headache, or brow ache
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain
- vision changes (such as seeing floaters/flashes of
light)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using pilocarpine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to preservatives (such as benzalkonium
chloride); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other eye problems (such as iritis, detached retina)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Vision in dim light may be affected. Do not drive
(especially at night), use machinery, or do anything that needs clear
vision until you can do it safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased saliva or
sweating, tremors, slow heartbeat, dizziness.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
If you are using the single-use containers, discard any
unused medication immediately after use.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.