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 WITH EPINEPHRINE - OPHTHALMIC

(pie-low-KAR-peen WITH ep-in-EFF-rin, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): E-Pilo-1, P1E1

Uses

This medication is used to treat glaucoma and to reduce intraocular pressure (eye pressure).

How To Use

Apply this medication to the eye as directed. Try to take it at the same time each day to get into a routine of taking this. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Apply eye drops to the affected eye(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. 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. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Wash hands after use. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications.

Side Effects

This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eyes for a minute or two when applied. Other side effects reported include brow ache, tearing and sensitivity to light. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, eye pain, swelling in or around the eyes, vision problems, breathing trouble, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, headache, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: heart conditions, asthma, ulcers, lung disease, thyroid disease, muscle problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable for a period after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. If you are scheduled for any surgery, be sure your doctor knows you are taking this drug. It may be necessary to stop using this for a short time. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: all heart medications, blood pressure medication, other eye medications. 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 headache, irregular heartbeat, fast pulse, lack of feeling alert, increased saliva, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Notes

Your intraocular (eye) pressure will be monitored routinely to check the effectiveness of this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Discard this if the solution turns brown, cloudy or contains particles.