Pilocarpine Ophthalmic Gel

This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness, vision loss, and nerve damage. Pilocarpine works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye.

This medication is usually used once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. To apply eye gel, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tip of the tube to any surface or let it touch your eye.Tilt your head back and pull down lower eyelid to make a pouch. Gently squeeze the tube to place a 1/2 inch (1.5 centimeters) ribbon of gel into the pouch of the eyelid, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid, close your eyes, and roll your eyeball in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the gel. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.Remove extra gel from the eyelids and eyelashes with a tissue. Wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it. Wash hands again to remove any gel that may be on them.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops/gels before ointments to allow the eye drops/gels to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not have any symptoms. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Before using pilocarpine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, other eye problems (e.g., iritis, detached retina), heart disease (e.g., heart failure, recent heart attack), low or high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), Parkinsonism, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, spasms).After you apply pilocarpine, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Vision in dim light may be affected. Do not drive (especially at night), use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

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 drug also comes in other forms, including Ophthalmic solution, Oral tablet

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.