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 SOLUTION

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Akarpine, Isopto Carpine, Pilocar, Piloptic-1

Uses

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

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. Be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye to avoid contamination. 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.

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 eye drops. 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. Inform your doctor if you develop: changes in vision, 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, or 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 should miss a dose, apply as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store solution in a cool, dark place. Discard the solution if it changes color, becomes cloudy or contains particles.

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).