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.

PILOCARPINE - OPHTHALMIC GEL

(pie-low-KAR-peen, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pilopine HS

Uses

This medication reduces pressure in the eye. It is used to treat glaucoma.

How To Use

Wash hands first. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to any surface. Tilt head back and pull down lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the tube as near as possible to the eyelid without touching it. Squeeze a 1/2 inch ribbon of gel into the pouch of the eyelid. Blink your eyes a few times to allow dispersion of the gel over the eye surface. Wipe off any excess gel from the eyelids and eyelashes with tissue. Close lid tightly. Wash hands again to remove any gel that may have come into contact with your hands.

Side Effects

Headache, brow ache, or temporary burning or stinging may occur initially. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying gel. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This medication may cause vision problems in poor light. Use caution especially when driving at night. Crusting of gel on eyelids or eyelashes may occur causing them to stick together. If this occurs, wash them with water. Also, contact your doctor if blurred vision persists more than several hours in the morning after bedtime use. Inform your doctor if you develop: vision changes, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased salivation, diarrhea. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: other eye problems, asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland, seizures, Parkinson's disease. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor or dentist that you use this medication. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug can affect the way your body responds to other drugs. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Do not use any drugs, including nonprescription medications, without consulting your doctor. 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. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, increased saliva, fainting, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, and increased sweating.

Notes

Do not share this product with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply as soon as possible, but not if you do not remember until the next day. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat. Do not freeze.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).