Pilocarpine eye solution, gel, or system

What are pilocarpine eye solution, gel, or system?

PILOCARPINE (Isopto Carpine®, Pilocar®) makes a muscle in the eye tighten and increases the flow of fluid from the eye. This can relieve eye pressure in certain kinds of glaucoma and prepare the eyes for surgery. There are three kinds of pilocarpine eye preparations: eye solution or drops, eye gel, or eye systems. Some eye products are available as generics.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• asthma, bronchitis

• contact lens wearer

• gall stones

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• inflammation or damage in the eye

• kidney stones

• mental problems

• 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 medicine?

Pilocarpine eye products are only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label.

To use the eye solution or gel: Wash hands before and after use. With your middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. 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 dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Drop the solution or squeeze the gel into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the drops or the gel.

To use the eye system: Read the directions carefully before using. Do not use if you think it has been damaged. The eye system is placed in the eye at bedtime. Replace the unit if you think it is releasing too much medication. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 drug(s) may interact with pilocarpine?

• atropine

• acetazolamide

• epinephrine

• timolol

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine 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 pilocarpine affects you.

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

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

Pilocarpine 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 using pilocarpine?

Eye preparations of pilocarpine rarely cause serious side effects. Side effects can include:

• blurred vision

• catarrh or runny nose

• chills

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness

• eye irritation, burning, or itching

• flushing

• headache

• increased sweating

• irregular heartbeat

• nausea, vomiting

• sensitivity of the eyes to light

• stomach upset

• trembling

• urgent need to pass urine

• weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the eye systems or gel in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Store the eye solution (drops) at room temperature between 8 and 30 degrees C (46 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Pilocarpine tablets

What are pilocarpine tablets?

PILOCARPINE (Salagen®) can increase the flow of saliva. Pilocarpine tablets relieve a dry mouth following radiotherapy treatment for cancer of the head and neck. Generic pilocarpine tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• asthma, bronchitis

• gallstones or biliary tract disease

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• inflammation of the eye

• kidney stones

• liver disease

• mental problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pilocarpine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• breast-feeding

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I take this medicine?

Take pilocarpine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What drug(s) may interact with pilocarpine?

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• atropine

• certain medicines for bladder problems like bethanecol, oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for quitting smoking like nicotine

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

• medicines for blood pressure or heart problems like metoprolol

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine 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 needs clear vision until you know how pilocarpine affects you.

While you are taking pilocarpine, have plenty to drink. You can get dehydrated if the tablets make you sweat a lot.

What side effects may I notice from taking pilocarpine?

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

• difficulty breathing

• irregular heartbeat

• vomiting

• weakness or tiredness

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

• blurred vision

• catarrh or runny nose

• chills

• dizziness

• flushing

• headache

• increased sweating

• nausea

• stomach upset

• trembling

• urgent need to pass urine

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.