What Is It?: Pilocarpine (pye-loe-KAR-peen ) is used to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions.
To use: First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye. Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
The dose of ophthalmic pilocarpine will be different for different patients. Follow the doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic pilocarpine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using ophthalmic pilocarpine.
Possible Side Effects: Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body, Increased sweating; muscle tremors; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; troubled breathing or wheezing; watering of mouth. Less common or rare: Eye pain. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: More common: Blurred vision or change in near or far vision; decrease in night vision. Less common: Eye irritation; headache or browache.
Storage: Keep in the original container. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store in the refrigerator or freezer (see the prescription label.) Store all medicines away from excess heat and moisture. Do NOT store in the bathroom.
Note: If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.