Pilocarpine eye gel

What is this medication?

PILOCARPINE (PYE loe KAR peen) is used in the eye to decrease pressure in certain kinds of glaucoma. It is also used to prepare the eyes for surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pilopine HS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, bronchitis
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• inflammation or damage in the eye
• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pilocarpine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the gel into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the gel. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• atropine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medicine can make your vision blur. You may find it is difficult to see, especially at night. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires clear vision until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Your lenses can deteriorate, and your eyes may feel irritated. Also, wearing lenses may increase the amount of this medicine absorbed by your body.

While you are using this medicine, have plenty to drink. You can get dehydrated if you sweat a lot.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear dark glasses in bright sun, or under any bright lights.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems
• eye irritation, burning, or itching
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• headache
• sensitivity of the eyes to light
• weakness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.