IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PILOCARPINE SOLUTION - OPHTHALMIC

(pie-low-KAR-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Akarpine, Isopto Carpine, Pilocar

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness, vision loss, and nerve damage. This medication may also be used during certain eye surgeries and to reverse the effects of drugs used to enlarge the pupil (e.g., during an eye exam). Pilocarpine works by causing the pupil of the eye to shrink and decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye.

HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper to any surface or let it touch your eye.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue and wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes, use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not have any symptoms. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.