Pilocarpine eye preparations

About Pilocarpine eye preparations

This belongs to the group of medicines known as cholinergic eye preparations.

Pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the eye, which prevents fluid leaving the eye, causing increased pressure to build up within the eye. This can cause pain and discomfort. Pilocarpine works by opening up the drainage channels in the eye, allowing fluid to leave the eye and so relieving pressure.

Pilocarpine can also be useful in treating other conditions which cause pressure in the eye.

Pilocarpine may also contain hypromellose, which acts as artificial tears, for soothing the eyes.

Pilocarpine is available in drop and gel form.

Before using Pilocarpine eye preparations

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to use Pilocarpine eye preparations

IF YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED PILOCARPINE EYE DROPS:

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, 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, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface (including the eye or the fingers)
9. Wash your hands

IF YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED PILOCARPINE EYE GEL:

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, 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, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface (including the eye or the fingers)
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
• Try to use this preparation at regular intervals as directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
• Pilocarpine eye preparations may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly for at least one to two hours after administering a dose of pilocarpine.
• You may also experience problems with your eyesight when lighting conditions are poor. You should make sure that you can see well before you drive at night-time.
• Do not swallow this medicine. If you or someone else has swallowed this preparation, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container or bottle with you if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with pilocarpine.

Can Pilocarpine eye preparations cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Headaches, particularly above the eyes, burning, itching or pain in the eyes, blurred vision.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Pilocarpine eye preparations

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard the eye drops or eye gel 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 09/07/2003