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Pilocarpine Ophthalmic

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Brand name(s): Adsorbocarpine; Akarpine; Isopto Carpine; Ocusert Pilo; Pilocar; Pilopine HS; Piloptic

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Pilocarpine relieves the symptoms of glaucoma.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Pilocarpine comes in eyedrops, eye gel, and a controlled-release system (Ocusert Pilo). The eyedrops usually are applied two to four times daily. The gel usually is applied once daily and at bedtime. The controlled-release system is used once a week and should be applied at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pilocarpine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Pilocarpine controls glaucoma, but does not cure it. Continue to use pilocarpine even if you feel well. Do not stop using pilocarpine without talking to your doctor.

To use the eyedrops, follow these steps:

To use the eye gel, follow these instructions:

To use the controlled-release system,

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using pilocarpine eyedrops,

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Apply the missed drops or gel as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from pilocarpine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep the drops and gel in the container they came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store them at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the controlled-release system in the refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to pilocarpine.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.