Pilocarpine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is Pilocarpine for?

Pilocarpine is generally used to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, which reduces the pressure inside the eye. Pilocarpine eye (for the eye) is used to treat glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). Eye pilocarpine can also be used for other purposes not listed in the medication guide.

How do you use Pilocarpine?

Use this medication as instructed by your doctor. Do not use it in amounts greater than or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower lids down to make a small pocket. Hold the dropper over the eye with the tip down. Look upward, then drop the eyedropper from the dropper into your eye, just drop it, then close your eye.
• Gently press with your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from dripping out of your tear ducts.
• If you are using any other eye drops, wait about 5 minutes after using the pilocarpine eye drops before using any other medicines.
• Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause infection in your eye. This can cause vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
• Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has appeared discolored or has particles in it. Contact your doctor for a new prescription.

Store the eye drops in a room at room temperature, away from heat and humidity. When not in use, make sure the packaging bottle is always tightly closed.

How to store Pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. To prevent damage to the drug, you should not store pilocarpine in the bathroom or freezer. There may be other brands of pilocarpine that have different storage rules. Pay attention to the storage instructions on the packaging of your product, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush pilocarpine down the toilet or down the drain, unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Pilocarpine dosage for adults?

Usual adult dosage for glaucoma:

• Ophthalmic Solution: Put 1-2 drops in the eye, 3-4 times a day. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops. Remove contact lenses before administering eye drops containing benzalkonium chloride solution, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to the eye.
• Ophthalmic Gel: Apply one and a half inch of gel tape on the conjunctival sacs under the eyes every day before going to bed. If you still have to use other eye drops then wait at least 5 minutes before the gel is applied.
• Opthalmic Insert: Insert one system under the conjunctiva cul-de-sac at bedtime. Change every 7 days.

Usual adult dose for intraocular hypertension:

• Ophthalmic Solution: Put 1-2 drops in the eye, 3-4 times a day. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops. Remove contact lenses before administering eye drops containing benzalkonium chloride solution, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to the eye.
• Ophthalmic Gel: Apply one and a half inch of gel tape on the conjunctival sacs under the eyes every day before going to bed. If you still have to use other eye drops then wait at least 5 minutes before the gel is applied.
• Opthalmic Insert: Insert one system under the conjunctiva cul-de-sac at bedtime. Change every 7 days.

What is the dosage of Pilocarpine for children?

For children 1-18 years old

• Ophthalmic Solution: Put 1-2 drops in the eye, 3-4 times a day. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops. Remove contact lenses before administering eye drops containing benzalkonium chloride solution, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to the eye.
• Ophthalmic Gel: Apply one and a half inch of gel tape on the conjunctival sacs under the eyes every day before going to bed. If you still have to use other eye drops then wait at least 5 minutes before applying the gel.

Usual children's dosage for intraocular hypertension:

• Ophthalmic Solution: Put 1-2 drops in the eye, 3-4 times a day. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops. Remove contact lenses before administering eye drops containing benzalkonium chloride solution, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to the eye.
• Ophthalmic Gel: Apply one and a half inch of gel tape on the conjunctival sacs under the eyes every day before going to bed. If you still have to use other eye drops then wait at least 5 minutes before applying the gel.

In what dosage and preparation is Pilocarpine available?

Pilocarpine is available in the following dosages:

PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% administered as a sterile 4% aqueous gel in 4 gram tubes with ophthalmic tip.

Gel, Ophthalmic, as hydrochloride:

• Pilopine HS: 4% (4g)

Solution, Ophtalmic, as hydrochloride:

• Isopto Carpine: 1% (15 ml); 2% (15 ml); 4% (15 ml);
• Generic: 1% (15 ml); 2% (15 ml); 4% (15 ml)

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Pilocarpine?

Sweating, nausea, runny nose, chills, redness of the skin, frequent urge to urinate, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

This medicine may cause increased tears. Side effects like these can help if you have dry eyes (such as in Sjo¨gren's syndrome). Tell your doctor if watery eyes are a problem.

Remember that the doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug have no serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any very rare but serious side effects occur, such as a slower / faster heart rate, unsteadiness (tremors), fainting, lung problems (such as increased wheezing / coughing / phlegm), mental / mood changes (eg confusion, agitation), severe abdominal pain / upset stomach.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Pilocarpine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Although there is no specific information comparing the use of this drug in children with other age groups, pilocarpine is not considered to cause different side effects or problems in children than in adults.

Elderly

Many drugs have not been studied specifically in the elderly. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in the elderly. Although there is no specific information regarding the comparison of the use of this drug in the elderly with other age groups, pilocarpine is not considered to cause different side effects or problems in the elderly compared with younger adults.

Is Pilocarpine safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the pregnancy risk category ___ according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

For unknown pregnancy risk categories:

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine may interact with other medicines you are currently taking, which can change the drug's performance or increase the risk of serious side effects. To avoid drug interactions, keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval, in particular:

• Tegafur

Can food or alcohol interact with Pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine may interact with other medicines that you are taking, which can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about food and alcohol that can potentially interact before using pilocarpine.

What health conditions can interact with Pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine may interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen your health condition or change the performance of the drug. Therefore, it is very important to always consult a doctor and pharmacist, so that they know all the health conditions you have, in particular:

• Asthma
• Eye disease or other problems - Pilocarpine may actually worsen the condition of your eyes.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of pilocarpine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.