Before using pilocarpine eye preparations

Before using pilocarpine eye preparations make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have heart problems or hypertension (high blood pressure).
• If you have asthma.
• If you have a stomach ulcer.
• If you have Parkinson's disease.
• If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
• If you have any other eye problems.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use pilocarpine eye preparations

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use pilocarpine exactly as directed by your doctor. The eye drops can be used up to four times a day but your doctor will tell you the dose that is right for you. The ophthalmic gel is to be used once a day at bedtime.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap.
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand and turn the container upside down near to the eye. Try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
6. Close the eye and keep the eye closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use pilocarpine in both eyes.
8. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the applicator tip with any surface (including your eye or fingers).
9. Wash your hands again.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap.
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand and turn the container upside down near to the eye. Try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release a line of gel (1-1.5 cm long) along the inside of the lower lid.
6. Close the eye and blink for a short while to spread the gel around the inside of the eye.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use pilocarpine in both eyes.
8. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the applicator tip with any surface (including your eye or fingers).
9. Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between using each one.
• Try to use this preparation at regular intervals as directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with pilocarpine.

Can pilocarpine eye preparations cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pilocarpine eye preparations

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Once the container has been opened it may be used for up to 4 weeks only. After this time you will need a fresh supply. If you are using a single use vial, throw the vial away after using.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines