|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (pye
loe KAR
peen) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Adsorbocarpine® Ophthalmic;
Akarpine® Ophthalmic; Isopto® Carpine Ophthalmic;
Ocu-Carpine®; Ocusert Pilo-20® Ophthalmic; Ocusert
Pilo-40® Ophthalmic; Pilagan® Ophthalmic; Pilocar®
Ophthalmic; Pilopine HS® Ophthalmic; Piloptic® Ophthalmic;
Pilostat® Ophthalmic; Salagen®
Oral |
|
|
| Foreign Brand
Names |
|
| Minims® Pilocarpine
(Canada) |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Cholinergic Agonist; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma; Ophthalmic Agent,
Miotic |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to pilocarpine or any other part of the
medicine.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- Oral:
- This medicine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiation; therapy
for head and neck cancer; dry mouth and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in
Sjögren's syndrome.
- Eye:
- This medicine is used for the treatment of
glaucoma.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Oral:
- Pilocarpine increases saliva and fluids in the eye.
- Eye:
- Pilocarpine lowers intraocular
pressure.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Oral:
- Take as directed by healthcare provider.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
- Eye:
- For the eye only.
- Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be
replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
- Do not touch the bottle or tube tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
- Solution:
- Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
- After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the
inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the
eye.
- Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes
before using the next.
- Gel:
- Apply as a 1/2
inch ribbon inside lower lid.
- Close the eye for 1-2 minutes. Roll eyeball
around.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or
extra
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Use caution if you have lung disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Be careful in hot weather.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Sweating.
- Nausea.
- Runny nose.
- Flushing.
- Frequent urination.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or
lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Decreased night vision. Use caution when driving or doing tasks that
require clear vision. Keep work area well light.
- Eye:
- Stinging or burning.
- Tearing.
- Blurred vision.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may
help.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the
same?
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Flushing or sweating that you are not able to tolerate.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
