DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Pilocarpine Ophthalmic Solution (pye-loe-KAR-peen)
Brand Name: Examples include Isopto Carpine and Pilocar

Isopto Carpine Solution is used for:

Treating glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used to reverse the effects of other medicines used during eye surgeries or examinations. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Isopto Carpine Solution is a direct-acting miotic. It works by lowering the fluid pressure inside the eye by increasing fluid drainage. It also causes the pupils to constrict or get smaller (miosis).

Do NOT use Isopto Carpine Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Isopto Carpine Solution
• you have glaucoma, eye inflammation, or a severe eye infection

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Isopto Carpine Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Isopto Carpine Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a detached retina, an eye infection, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• if you have had a heart attack

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Isopto Carpine Solution. However, no specific interactions with Isopto Carpine Solution are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Isopto Carpine Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Isopto Carpine Solution:

Use Isopto Carpine Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Isopto Carpine Solution is only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.
• To use Isopto Carpine Solution in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• If you miss a dose of Isopto Carpine Solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Isopto Carpine Solution.

Important safety information:

• Isopto Carpine Solution may cause blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Isopto Carpine Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Isopto Carpine Solution may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Isopto Carpine Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Isopto Carpine Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Isopto Carpine Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; change in vision; eyelid twitching; headache at the temples or around the eyes; increased tearing; nearsightedness; redness or swelling of the eye; temporary stinging or burning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); detachment of the retina; fast or abnormal heartbeat; increase in blood pressure; poor vision at night.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include asthma; blurred vision; diarrhea; fainting; increased saliva; increased sweating; irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Proper storage of Isopto Carpine Solution:

Store Isopto Carpine Solution at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Isopto Carpine Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Isopto Carpine Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Isopto Carpine Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Isopto Carpine Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.