Pilocarpine is used to treat certain types of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
This medicine is also used on its own or together with other medicines to help reduce pressure in the eyes before surgery.
Pilocarpine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Instil Pilocarpine eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1-2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Pilocarpine into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Pilocarpine, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
Some brands of Pilocarpine contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before instilling the eye drops. Wait for at least 10 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- acute iritis (inflammation of the coloured part of the eye)
- anterior uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
as Pilocarpine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- controlled asthma
- chronic bronchitis (a long-term lung condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus [phlegm])
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- retinal disease (eye problem which affects the inside layer of the eye)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of changes in vision may also be needed.
Pilocarpine may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and watery eyes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- lightheadedness, confusion, passing out
- chest pain, rapid or slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing
- eye pain, severe eye irritation, red and swollen eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for high blood pressure
- atropine (medicine used for widening the pupils and relaxing muscles in the eyes before surgery)
- ipratropium bromide (asthma medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pilocarpine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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