Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ECHOTHIOPHATE IODIDE - OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

(eck-oh-THIGH-oh-fate EYE-oh-dyed, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phospholine Iodide

Uses

This medication reduces eye pressure. It is used in the management of glaucoma.

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. Shake the eye drops well before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. If more than one type of eye drop is to be used, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye medication. Do not use eye drops that have changed color.

Side Effects

Headache, brow ache, or temporary burning or stinging may occur initially. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This medication may cause your eyes to be sensitive to bright light. Wear sunglasses. Inform your doctor if you develop changes in vision, eye pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, increased urination or salivation, or irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, low or high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, overactive thyroid, Parkinsonism, stomach problems, urinary tract trouble, other eye problems. Avoid exposure to insecticides. Some types of insecticides may alter the effectiveness of this medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: anticholinergics (drugs used to lessen abdominal cramps), antihistamines, antidepressants, carbamazepine, disopyramide, cyclobenzaprine, quinidine, ipratropium, medication for motion sickness, flavoxate, oxybutynin, procainamide, drugs used for myasthenia gravis. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses. The lenses may be discolored.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, and are using every other day: apply as soon as remembered if you remember that same day. If you do not remember until the next day, apply it then and skip the next day. If you are using the medication once daily and should miss a dose: apply as soon as remembered if remembered that same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you are using more than once daily: apply as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not, under any circumstance, "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

After being mixed, this product may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. It may also be kept at room temperature (approximately 77 degrees F; 25 degrees C) for up to 4 weeks. Discard the solution if it changes color or contains particles.